Beef Stew (Hungarian Marhapörkölt)

One of the most famous Hungarian dishes, this slow-simmered Hungarian beef and onion stew is positively mouthwatering and out of this world delicious. Marhapörkölt, Hungarian for "beef stew", is a prime example of how just a few simple ingredients can render the most delicious flavor. The basic Hungarian pörkölt consists of onions sauteed in fat, meat and paprika slow-simmered in a little water and the result is simple fabulous.

4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large tomato, finely diced
1½ lbs stewing beef, cut into ½" pieces
4 Tbsp. sweet Hungarian paprika
1½ tsp. sea salt
¼ tsp. black pepper, freshly ground
½ tsp. caraway seeds, coarsely crushed
1 bay leaf
water

In a medium sauce pan fry the bacon until done. Add the onions and cook over medium-high heat until golden. Add the bell peppers and garlic and cook for another two minutes. Add the beef and cook for a minute until some, but not all, of the pink is gone. Stir in the paprika and remove from heat.

Add the remaining ingredients. Add just enough water to come up to just over the halfway point of the stew mixture (in other words, not so the water is covering it). Return to heat and bring it to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 90 minutes. If the stew isn't thick enough, continue to simmer uncovered for a few more minutes so that some of the liquid evaporates. Add salt to taste.

Serve with Homemade Spätzle (in Hungary they are shorter and stubbier, so prepare the dough accordingly or just use whatever method/shape you prefer - the texture and flavor of the dough is the same regardless). Or serve with boiled potatoes or wide egg noodles. A side salad, particularly a cucumber salad, is traditional. If desired, serve with a dollop of sour cream.

Makes 4 servings.