Gulyás (Hungarian Goulash)

Ingredients (serves 4–6):

• 500 g (1 lb) beef chuck, cut into cubes
• 2 tbsp lard or oil
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 parsnip, sliced (optional)
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped or 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1–1.5 liters (4–6 cups) beef broth or water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: caraway seeds, hot paprika, or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat lard or oil in a large pot. Sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
2. Remove from heat, stir in paprika quickly to avoid burning.
3. Add beef cubes and brown lightly. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add carrots, parsnip, bell pepper, tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer 1–1.5 hours until beef is tender.
5. Add potatoes in the last 20–30 minutes of cooking.
6. Adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and serve hot, ideally with crusty bread.