Authentic Hungarian Goulash (Gulyás)

Adapted from https://www.daringgourmet.com/traditional-hungarian-goulash-gulyas/

Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons pork lard , or butter or bacon grease (pork lard is traditionally used and imparts a great flavor)
1 1/2 pounds yellow onions chopped
1/4 cup quality genuine imported Hungarian sweet paprika
1 1/2 pounds stewing beef , cut into 1/2 inch pieces
5 cloves garlic ,minced
2 red bell peppers ,seeded/membranes removed, cut into 1/2 inch chunks
1 yellow bell pepper ,seeded/membranes removed, cut into 1/2 inch chunks
2 tomatoes ,diced
2 carrots ,diced
2 medium potatoes ,cut into 1/2 inch chunks
5 cups beef broth (traditionally just water is used but beef broth adds so much more flavor)
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed caraway seeds (optional, not traditional in all regions)

STEPS

1) Melt the pork lard or butter/oil in a Dutch oven or other heavy soup pot over medium high heat and cook the onions until beginning to brown, about 7-10 minutes. Add the beef and cook until the beef is just starting to brown, 7-10 minutes. Add the bell peppers, tomatoes, and garlic and cook for another 6-8 minutes.  Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the paprika, salt, pepper and caraway (if using) (note: paprika becomes bitter if at all scorched).

Add the beef broth, bay leaf, return to the stove and bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 40 minutes.

Add the carrots and potatoes.  Return to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for another 30-40 minutes or until the beef is nice and tender.  Add salt to taste.  Remove the bay leaf.