Classic Hamburg Labskaus

Steps

1. 1
   Simmer the salted beef with bay leaves in meat broth until completely tender.
2. 2
   Peel and cube the potatoes, then boil them in salted water until soft.
3. 3
   Dice the onions and fry them in butter or lard until golden.
4. 4
   Cut the cooked beef into small cubes and combine with the fried onions.
5. 5
   Drain the potatoes and combine with the beef and onions, then roughly mash together using a little meat broth. Season with salt and black pepper.
6. 6
   Plate the mashed mixture in the center. The reddish color comes from the salted beef, not from beetroot juice.
7. 7
   Fry an egg in butter or lard, keeping the yolk runny or cooked to preference. Place the fried egg on top of the Labskaus.
8. 8
   Arrange the pickled beetroot slices and gherkins as garnish around the plate.
9. 9
   Serve the matjes fillets separately on their own plate as an accompaniment.