In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onions and sugar until caramelized. Add the garlic and caraway seed. Cook another minute.

Add the sweet and sharp paprika, marjoram, thyme and bay leaf. Sauté another minute, until fragrant.

Add the tomato paste. Deglaze with the vinegar and the stock and add the pieces of beef shank, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer and cook until very tender, about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve with Spaetzle (see recipe) on the side.

This recipe yields 6 servings.

Comments: Goulash, of course, comes from Hungary and is probably the Hungarians most famous dish. The most important ingredient is the paprika, which gives it an almost roasted taste, and of course a little spiciness. And the key to success is cooking it slowly, at a gentle simmer. But its really easy, so enjoy! We always serve it with spaetzle, those wonderful little dumplings from Austria.