Old-fashioned goulash

Old-fashioned goulash is a hearty and flavorful dish that has its roots in Central European cuisine, particularly Hungarian. Here’s a simple recipe for traditional goulash:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds stewing beef, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 cups elbow macaroni or other pasta, cooked according to package instructions

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. Do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
2. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed, and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic, sweet paprika, caraway seeds, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Cook for a couple of minutes until the spices become fragrant.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes, chopped red and green bell peppers, and beef broth. If using, pour in the red wine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally.
7. About 15-20 minutes before serving, cook the elbow macaroni or pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
8. Once the beef is tender, taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaves.
9. Serve the goulash over the cooked pasta.

Old-fashioned goulash is often enjoyed with a dollop of sour cream on top and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish. This dish is known for its rich, savory flavor and is perfect for warming up on a cold day.