Creamy Beef Stew with Paprika - Perkelt od Podolca

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) beef, cut into cubes 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) beef, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 onions, finely chopped 2 onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 2 cups (470ml) beef broth 2 cups (470ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240ml) sour cream 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 5g, 2g
• Protein: 50g
• Fiber: 1g
• 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.
   Sprinkle the sweet paprika, smoked paprika, and caraway seeds over the beef, and stir well to coat.
5. 5.
   Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
6. 6.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and a ladleful of the hot broth from the pot to temper it.
7. 7.
   Slowly pour the tempered sour cream into the pot, stirring continuously to incorporate it into the sauce.
8. 8.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   Simmer the stew for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
10. 10.
    Serve the Perkelt od Podolca 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 it.
• Paprika — Opt for high-quality Hungarian paprika for an authentic flavor profile. Adjust the amount of paprika according to your spice preference.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, use a combination of sweet and smoked paprika.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and add it to the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• To add some freshness, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the stew before serving.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
• Feel free to customize the dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Perkelt od Podolca over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Pair it with a fresh green salad to add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the stew.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Perkelt od Podolca with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in a deep bowl or on a large plate, allowing the creamy sauce to pool around the tender beef cubes.