Sauerbraten and soup are both family favorites. This combines the two, without the long marinating time the traditional beef dish requires. You can substitute spaetzle or gnocchi for the egg noodles. —Jennifer Yerkes, Franklin Square, New York


Test Kitchen tips
  • Yes, there are cookies in this dish—in fact, they're a key to its success. Cookies are a common thickening agent in German gravies and sauces, so why not soup?
  • Put the pickling spice into a loose tea bag and tie off. This keeps the whole spices out of your soup and makes them easy to remove.