Svíčková

This delicious beef dish is one of the best-known creations of Czech cuisine. It is made with marinated braised beef, usually tenderloin, served in a creamy vegetable sauce made with carrots, celeriac, and parsley root. The dish is usually spiced with thyme, bay leaves, and allspice, which lend the dish bold flavors. The trademark of this dish, however, is its creamy gravy made with puréed or mashed root vegetables and sour cream. The recipe for this traditional dish first appeared in 1805. It was heavily influenced by Bavarian cuisine and traditional French cooking techniques, both of which incorporate generous amounts of butter and cream into their recipes. Svíčková is traditionally served with the famous soft Czech bread dumplings, a slightly tart cranberry sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, and a slice of lemon.