Međimurski Gulaš with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 2 medium carrots, sliced 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 can diced tomatoes (400g / 14 oz) 1 can diced tomatoes (400g / 14 oz)
• 500ml (2 cups) beef broth 500ml (2 cups) beef broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the sweet paprika, smoked paprika, cumin, caraway seeds, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
4. 4.
   Return the browned beef to the pot and mix it with the onion and spice mixture.
5. 5.
   Add the sliced carrots, diced bell pepper, cubed potatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Remove the bay leaves from the pot. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   Serve the Međimurski gulaš hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — Choose a tender cut of beef such as chuck or stewing beef for the best results. Trim any excess fat before cubing.
• Smoked paprika — If you prefer a milder smoky flavor, you can use half the amount of smoked paprika or substitute it with regular paprika.
• Potatoes — To ensure even cooking, try to cut the potatoes into uniform cubes.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the beef cubes in a mixture of paprika, garlic, and olive oil for a few hours before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of flour with a little water and add it to the pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Serve the Međimurski gulaš with crusty bread or steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for future enjoyment.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables in the stew based on your preferences or seasonal availability.

Serving advice

Serve the Međimurski gulaš hot in deep bowls, garnished with fresh parsley. Accompany it with a side of crusty bread or steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin on top of the stew before serving. Additionally, you can serve the gulaš in individual mini cast-iron pots for a rustic and charming presentation.