German Goulash

• 1 lb lean beef, cut into 3/4 inch cubes
• 8 ounces button mushrooms, cleaned (optional)
• 2 ounces fat or 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups boiling water
• salt and pepper
• 1 pinch paprika
• 1 -2 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1 cup tomato puree (optional) or 1 cup sour cream (optional)

1. Brown beef cubes on all sides in hot fat.
2. Add chopped onion and saute a few minutes.
3. Pour in boiling water, season with salt and pepper, add mushrooms if using, cover and braise gently until done (1.5 to 2 hours).
4. Season to taste with paprika and salt, then thicken with corn starch blended with the cold water.
5. Note: Sour cream or tomato puree may be added.
6. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice or noodles and with tomato, cucumber salad.

lean beef, button mushrooms, cooking oil, onion, boiling water, salt, paprika, cornstarch, cold water, tomato puree

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/german-goulash-278669 (may not work)