OLD CLASSIC FASHIONED GOULASH

Here’s a traditional recipe for Old Classic Fashioned Goulash:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (about 900g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon marjoram
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 2 red bell peppers, chopped
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (red wine or apple cider)
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides. Remove the browned beef and set it aside.
2. In the same pot, add the chopped onions and cook until they are translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring well to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw taste of the flour.
4. Add paprika, caraway seeds, salt, black pepper, marjoram, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine.
5. Add the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
6. Return the browned beef to the pot and add diced tomatoes and chopped red bell peppers. Mix well.
7. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using). Stir in the vinegar.
8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender. Stir occasionally.
9. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
10. Serve the goulash over cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Enjoy your Old Classic Fashioned Goulash!