Hungarian Beef Goulash
This streamlined goulash skips the step of browning the beef, and instead coats it in a spice crust to give it a rich mahogany hue. This saucy dish is a natural served over whole-wheat egg noodles. Or, for something different, try prepared potato gnocchi or spaetzle.
Ingredients
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2 pounds beef stew meat, (such as chuck), trimmed and cubed
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2 teaspoons caraway seeds
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1 1/2-2 tablespoons sweet or hot paprika, (or a mixture of the two), preferably Hungarian (see Ingredient Note)
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¼ teaspoon salt
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Freshly ground pepper, to taste
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1 large or 2 medium onions, chopped
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1 small red bell pepper, chopped
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1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
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1 14-ounce can reduced-sodium beef broth
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 bay leaves
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1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Description
- Place beef in a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Crush caraway seeds with the bottom of a saucepan. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in paprika, salt and pepper. Sprinkle the beef with the spice mixture and toss to coat well. Top with onion and bell pepper.
- Combine tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire sauce and garlic in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer. Pour over the beef and vegetables. Place bay leaves on top. Cover and cook until
- the beef is very tender, 4 to 4 1/2 hours on high or 7 to 7 1/2 hours on low.
- Discard the bay leaves; skim or blot any visible fat from the surface of the stew. Add the cornstarch mixture to the stew and cook on high, stirring 2 or 3 times, until slightly thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve sprinkled with parsley.