Paprika

Beef Paprikas with Dumplings: A Feast of Flavors

When it comes to comfort food, nothing compares to a delicious beef paprikas. This recipe, full of flavor, combines tender meat with fresh vegetables and a rich sauce, with the final step adding a special touch through fluffy dumplings. Paprikas is a dish that brings together tradition and innovation, being a true favorite of many families. Whether served at a family dinner or a festive meal, this dish will turn any meal into a celebration.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 70 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 700 g beef (or alternatively, chicken or pork)
- 4 large onions, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 red bell peppers, diced
- 100 g fresh tomatoes, diced
- 100 ml tomato juice
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- Salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ hot pepper, sliced (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Dumplings:
- 2 eggs
- Salt, to taste
- Flour (about 200 g, but adjust according to consistency)

Preparing the Paprikas:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by cutting the beef into cubes of about 2-3 cm. Choose high-quality meat, preferably from the back or neck, as these cuts are more tender and cook evenly.

2. Searing the meat: In a large pan, add a little olive oil and let it heat up. Add the meat cubes and sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they develop a golden crust. This process will intensify the flavor of the dish, so don’t skip this step.

3. Adding the vegetables: Once the meat is well browned, add the onion and garlic. Continue to sauté for 5-6 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the bell pepper and mix everything well.

4. Seasoning: Sprinkle salt and paprika over the meat and vegetable mixture. These spices are essential for giving the dish that authentic taste. Then add water or broth (about 600 ml) and let it simmer on low heat. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer gently until the meat becomes tender (about 30-40 minutes).

5. Adding the tomatoes: Once the meat is tender, add the diced tomatoes, tomato juice, sugar, and hot pepper if you choose to use it. These ingredients will add a note of sweetness and acidity, perfectly complementing the rich flavors of the meat. Let everything simmer for another 5 minutes.

Preparing the Dumplings:

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a bowl, beat the two eggs with a pinch of salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing constantly until you achieve a consistency similar to that of semolina dumplings. The consistency should be slightly softer than bread dough but firm enough not to disperse in water.

2. Boiling the dumplings: In a large pot of boiling salted water, use a spoon to form small dumplings from the prepared dough. Let them boil for about 10 minutes or until they rise to the surface. This is a sign that they are ready.

3. Finalizing the dish: Add the dumplings to the paprikas pan and let everything simmer together for a few minutes so that the flavors combine perfectly.

Serving:

Once the paprikas is ready, serve it warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. This adds not only a colorful touch but also a note of freshness. Paprikas pairs perfectly with sour cream, which will add delicious creaminess, or with roasted peppers and pickles, which will provide a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.

Practical Tips:

- Meat: You can experiment with different types of meat. Also, chicken cooks faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables like carrots or celery to enrich the flavor of the dish.
- Dumplings: If you don’t have flour, you can use semolina or even mashed potatoes for a fluffier version.
- Vegan option: You can replace the meat with mushrooms or tofu and use plant-based milk instead of sour cream.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use other vegetables in the paprikas? Yes, you can add zucchini or carrots, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I store leftovers? The paprikas keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

3. Is this recipe suitable for freezing? Yes, paprikas freezes well, but it is recommended to add freshly cooked dumplings before serving.

Nutritional Benefits:

This beef paprikas recipe is rich in protein and vitamins, thanks to the meat and vegetables. Tomatoes add antioxidants, while bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C. The dumplings add complex carbohydrates, providing energy for the whole day.

Besides all this, paprikas is a dish that embraces you with its flavors and warmth, reminding you of family meals, stories around the table, and culinary traditions. Don’t hesitate to personalize your recipe! Add a touch of your creativity and enjoy every bite. Bon appétit!