Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions and Beef:
• In a large pot, heat the lard or oil. Add the onions and sauté until soft and golden.
• Add the beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides.
2. Add the Paprika:
• Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the paprika to prevent it from burning. Coat the beef with the paprika.
3. Add Vegetables and Broth:
• Add garlic, carrots, parsnips, bell pepper, potatoes, tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth or water, enough to cover the ingredients. Stir well and bring the soup to a boil.
4. Simmer:
• Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together.
5. Prepare the Nokedli Dumplings:
• In a bowl, mix the egg, flour, and a pinch of salt with just enough water to form a sticky dough.
• Using a spoon, drop small bits of dough into boiling salted water. Cook the dumplings for about 5 minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
6. Add the Dumplings:
• In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the dumplings (nokedli) into the soup. Let them cook in the soup to absorb some flavor.
7. Serve:
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the goulash soup hot with a slice of fresh bread.
This dish is a filling and traditional Hungarian meal, perfect for cold days. Enjoy your goulash soup!