Gorički Goulash

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) beef stew meat, cut into cubes 2 pounds (900g) beef stew meat, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 onions, finely chopped 2 onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups (950ml) beef broth 4 cups (950ml) beef broth
• 2 red bell peppers, sliced 2 red bell peppers, sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced 2 carrots, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 6g
• Protein: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the onions and garlic to the pot and sauté until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the beef cubes to the pot and brown them on all sides.
4. 4.
   Stir in the sweet paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, and dried marjoram, and cook for a minute to release their flavors.
5. 5.
   Add the tomato paste and stir well to coat the meat and onions.
6. 6.
   Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. 7.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
8. 8.
   Add the sliced bell peppers and carrots to the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked to your desired tenderness.
9. 9.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. 10.
    Serve the Gorički Goulash hot with crusty bread or štruklji.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef stew meat — Choose a tender cut of beef, such as chuck or round, for the best results. Trim any excess fat before cutting it into cubes.
• Caraway seeds — Toasting the caraway seeds in a dry pan for a few minutes before using them will enhance their flavor.
• Smoked paprika — If you prefer a stronger smoky flavor, you can increase the amount of smoked paprika used in the recipe.
• Tomato paste — Opt for a high-quality tomato paste to add depth and richness to the sauce.
• Štruklji (traditional Slovenian dumplings) — If you want to serve Gorički Goulash with štruklji, you can find recipes online or at specialty stores.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra depth of flavor, marinate the beef cubes in the paprika, caraway seeds, and marjoram overnight before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of flour with a little water and add it to the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Leftover Gorički Goulash tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables in the stew according to your preference. You can add potatoes, mushrooms, or even green beans for variation.
• If you want to add a touch of freshness, garnish the Gorički Goulash with chopped parsley before serving.

Serving advice

Serve Gorički Goulash in deep bowls, allowing the thick and flavorful sauce to surround the tender beef and vegetables. Accompany it with a side of crusty bread or štruklji to soak up the delicious sauce.

Presentation advice

To present Gorički Goulash beautifully, ladle the stew into individual bowls, making sure to include a generous amount of sauce, beef, and vegetables in each serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.