Grandma's Sauerbraten

Ingredients

• 2 large yellow onions, chopped
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 1 large leek, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 8 juniper berries
• 6 whole cloves
• 10 whole black peppercorns, cracked
• kosher salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 cups red wine
• 1 1/2 cups red wine vinegar
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup golden raisins, optional
• 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast or rump roast
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 10 gingersnap cookies, crushed
• black pepper, to taste