Hungarian Gulyás Soup: A Hearty Delight Steeped in Tradition and Flavor

Hungarian Gulyás, often referred to as Hungarian Goulash, is a deeply traditional and satisfyingly hearty soup that has been a staple of Central European cuisine for centuries. This dish is known for its rich, robust flavors derived from a combination of beef, paprika, and an assortment of vegetables. The Hungarian Gulyás Soup not only warms the body but also ties you to a rich cultural heritage every time you take a bite.

Ingredients:- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil- 1 large onion, finely chopped- 2 cloves of garlic, minced- 1 lb (450g) of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes- 2 tablespoons of sweet Hungarian paprika- 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds- 1 teaspoon of marjoram- 1 bay leaf- 4 cups of beef broth- 2 large carrots, sliced- 1 parsnip, sliced- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced- 1 green bell pepper, chopped- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped or 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:1. **Heat the oil** in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they turn translucent, about 5 minutes.2. **Stir in the garlic** and continue to cook for another minute until fragrant.3. **Add the beef cubes** to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned on all sides.4. **Sprinkle the paprika** over the beef and stir well to coat the meat evenly. This is essential for the dish's characteristic flavor and color.5. **Add the caraway seeds, marjoram, and bay leaf**. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.6. Once boiling, **reduce the heat** to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally.7. **Add the carrots, parsnip, potatoes, green bell pepper**, and tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine.8. **Simmer the soup** for an additional 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.9. **Season with salt and pepper** to taste before serving.

Serve this comforting Hungarian Gulyás Soup with a slice of rustic bread and enjoy a wholesome meal that bridges the old world with the new.