goulash

INGREDIENTS

• 5 slices bacon, chopped
• 3 pounds boneless chuck, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 medium onions (about 1 1/2 pounds), chopped fine
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons paprika (preferably Hungarian sweet*)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons caraway seeds
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 5 cups beef broth
• 1 to 5 cups water or beer (use the former to make a stew, the latter to make a soup)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 red bell peppers, chopped fine