2 1/2 – 3 lb. chuck roast
1 small onion, or large shallot, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3-4 T. olive oil
2 t. sweet paprika
2 t. kosher salt, divided
8 oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
1/4 t. caroway seeds, crushed
1/2 t. marjoram (or oregano)
2 c. beef boullion (can use instant or 1 can)
1/2 green pepper, medium dice
Gravy flour
1/3 c. sour cream
(To crush caroway seeds, place in plastic bag and hit with a meat mallet or blunt, heavy object.)
Trim fat from roast, and cut meat unto 1″ cubes.
With paper towels, thoroughly dry meat. Very important.
Sprinkle meat with 1 t. kosher salt
Heat 2 T. oil in dutch oven or large pan, over medium heat. Add onions (or shallots) and cook until soft.
Add garlic and let cook 30 seconds longer.
Remove onions and garlic to a side plate.
Turn heat up to medium high. Add 2 T. oil and brown meat on all sides in 2-3 batches.
(When you brown meat, don’t keep pushing it around. Let it sit still on each side for 1-2 minutes at a time to develop a nice browning for lots of flavor.)
Return all meat, garlic and onions to pan.
Add beef boullion, marjoram, caraway seeds, paprika, and diced tomatoes (without the liquid).
If any tomato pieces are large, pinch them with your fingers. Scrape up bits from bottom of pan.
Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook at a very low simmer 1 1/2 hours.
Add chopped green pepper and let simmer 15 additional minutes.
Dip 1/2 c. hot cooking liquid into a cup. Add 1-2 T. gravy flour (or regular flour) and whisk until smooth
Pour into the pan and stir.
If you desire a thicker sauce, repeat.
Check seasonings to see if you need more salt.
Remove pan from heat.
Dip 1/2 c. hot cooking liquid into a cup. Add sour cream and whisk until smooth.
Pour into the pan and stir.
DO NOT LET GOULASH SIMMER AFTER THIS POINT OR YOUR SAUCE WILL SEPARATE!
If time allows, let the goulash sit on the counter, uncovered, 15-30 minutes for flavors to develop and to further thicken.
Check temperature – may have to rewarm it a little before serving, but do not let it simmer.
Serve over noodles with some crusty bread. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
