Traditional Czech Koprová Omáčka (Dill Sauce) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 400g of beef (preferably shank)
  • 4 tablespoons of butter
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups of beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons of vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 4 tablespoons of fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 bay leaves
  • 8 pieces of allspice
  • 4 pieces of clove
  • 4 tablespoons of sour cream
  • 8 small boiled potatoes for serving
  • 4 pieces of bread dumplings for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until they become translucent.
  2. Add the beef to the pot and cook until it browns on all sides.
  3. Add the flour to the pot, stirring continuously until it creates a roux with the butter and onions.
  4. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring, to avoid creating lumps.
  5. Add the vinegar, sugar, dill, garlic, salt, pepper, bay leaves, allspice, and cloves into the pot. Stir well to combine.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
  7. Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pot. Trim off any fat and cut it into small pieces. Then, return it to the pot.
  8. Stir the sour cream into the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 10 minutes on low heat.
  9. Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary.
  10. Serve the sauce over the boiled potatoes and bread dumplings.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - Needed for cooking the sauce and beef.
  • Stove or cooktop - Required to heat the pot and simmer the sauce.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon - Used for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot.
  • Knife - Needed to chop the onions, garlic, and dill.
  • Cutting board - Used as a surface for chopping the vegetables and herbs.
  • Measuring cups - Required to measure the flour and vinegar accurately.
  • Measuring spoons - Needed to measure the sugar, salt, pepper, and other spices precisely.
  • Whisk - Used to combine the flour with the butter and onions, and to prevent lumps when adding the broth.
  • Potato masher - Required for mashing the boiled potatoes before serving.
  • Bowls - Needed for serving the sauce and preparing the ingredients.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute beef with pork or chicken for a different meat option.
  • Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.
  • Add mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy flavor.
  • Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
  • Experiment with different herbs such as parsley or thyme to customize the flavor.
  • Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a tangy twist.
  • Incorporate smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes to add some heat.
  • Try using coconut milk instead of sour cream for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Serve the sauce over pasta or rice instead of potatoes and dumplings.
  • Add cooked peas or carrots to the sauce for added texture and color.

Recipe overview

Koprová omáčka, or dill sauce, is a traditional Czech dish that is rich, flavorful, and comforting. This recipe comes with a creamy sauce packed full of aromatic spices, tender beef, and fresh dill, that is typically served over boiled potatoes and bread dumplings. Making koprová omáčka is a labor of love, allowing the flavors to slowly build and meld together over the course of an hour. It's a perfect dish for a family meal or a cozy dinner with friends. This recipe will guide you through the process step-by-step, so even if you're new to Czech cuisine, you'll be able to create a delicious and authentic koprová omáčka.

Common questions

  1. What cut of beef is best for this recipe? It is recommended to use beef shank for this recipe.
  2. Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth? While beef broth is ideal for this recipe, vegetable broth can be used as a substitute if desired.
  3. How long does it take to cook the beef until tender? The beef should be simmered for approximately 1 hour, or until it becomes tender.
  4. Can I use dried dill instead of fresh? Fresh dill is preferred for its vibrant flavor, but if you don't have it, dried dill can be used as a substitute. Use 1 tablespoon of dried dill instead of 4 tablespoons of fresh dill.
  5. What can I serve Koprová omáčka with? Koprová omáčka is traditionally served with boiled potatoes and bread dumplings.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Koprová omáčka, or dill sauce, is a quintessential part of Czech cuisine, deeply rooted in the nation's rich culinary traditions. This beloved meal, often served over boiled potatoes or bread dumplings, has won the hearts of both locals and visitors alike with its unique and comforting flavors. Legend has it that the dish came into being during times of scarcity when Czech cooks had to get creative with the ingredients they had at hand. Dill, a common herb in Czech gardens, became the star of this dish, its distinct flavor balancing out the richness of the sauce. Over the years, the recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, each adding their own little tweak yet preserving the traditional essence of this delightful dish. So, whether you're dining in a cozy Czech household or in an upscale restaurant in Prague, a plate of Koprová omáčka is sure to transport you to the very heart of Czech Republic, a testament to the country's simple yet flavorful culinary heritage.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.