German Style Gulasch

 German Style Gulasch 

  the easy way

Ingredients:

Servings:4

• 1 lb onion diced
• 3 cloves fresh garlic  peeled and finely chopped
• 1/4 lb thick bacon, finely chopped
• 2 1/8 lbs beef shoulder, cut into bite-sized chunks as for stew (trim any visible fat)
• 2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons bacon grease or 2 tablespoons lard
• 2 teaspoons sweet red paprika 
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste or can of crushed tomato 
• 5 1/4 cups beef broth 
• 1 red bell pepper , cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 orange bell pepper, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 bunch fresh herbs ,oregano ,basil ,marjoram , stemmed and finely chopped
•  salt to taste
•   pepper to taste
• fresh cooked egg noodles or spaetzle  to serve over

Directions:

Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 2 1/4 hrs {3 1/2 hrs}optional

1. 1 In a large stewpot, heat the butter (or bacon grease or lard) until melted.
2. 2 Add the beef chunks in small portions and brown on all sides (but not cook all the way through yet);remove each batch as it browns to a covered dish and set aside for now.
3. 3 In the same pan, add the bacon, onion, and garlic and saute a few minutes until they begin to wilt and brown, maybe 5-10 minutes or so.
4. 4 Return the meat to the pan, and sprinkle with paprika.
5. 5 Whisk in the tomato paste until blended,stirring the whole time.
6. 6 Add just a little of the broth and bring to a boil,stirring.
7. 7 Repeat with a little more broth, after it boils, add the rest of the broth along with the lemon zest.
8. 8 Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let stew about 80 minutes.
9. 9 In the last 5 minutes of cooking time, add the diced peppers and the marjoram.
10. 10 Test for flavor now- adding as much salt& pepper as you prefer.
11. 11 TIP: If you like your peppers to be a little softer, just let it cook a little longer or add them a little sooner.
12. 12 Serve ladled over bowls of hot, buttered egg noodles or spaetzle.

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I do let Mine cook /simmer for about 3 and a half hours and then I add cream cheese to the sauce and sweet corn  or a can of chilli beans ..My aunt adds sauerkraut and chilli peppers ..each family member had their unique way to cook it.
gulasch is an old German traditional food for the colder days .
I do believe to that each country has there own gulasch recipes in one way or the other.