German Goulash - cooking recipe

Ingredients

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)

Preparation

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