George's Goulash Soup

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons vegetable  oil
3-4 cloves crushed garlic
3-4 lb stew meat cut into sugar cube or smaller size chunks
1 large onion or equivalent amount of leek
2 16 oz cans of beef stock (can substitute bullion cubes and water)
1 16 oz can of Tomato sauce
1 16 oz can of crushed, stewed, or whole  tomatoes  (if whole, chop)
2 Tablespoons paprika
Lots of pepper (1/2 Tablespoon)
1/2 Tablespoon chili powder
6 medium carrots cut into sugar cube size or smaller chunks
4 medium potatoes cut into sugar cube size chunks or smaller
2 cups frozen peas
Optional up to 1/2 cup barley (if used reduce the amount of potatoes)
optional up to 1/2 cup potato flakes, used to thicken if desired, other thickening is OK (flour or cornstarch)
Directions

In large pot, heat over high heat vegetable oil and crushed garlic.  When the garlic is fragrant, add onion or leek, followed by meat. Brown. and simmer for 10 to 20 minutes.

Add beef stock, tomatoes, tomato sauce, paprika, pepper, (optional barley) and simmer for at least 1 hour over low heat. the mixture should just be on a low simmer.

Add carrots, and simmer for 1 hour on low. Add potatoes and simmer for 1 hour  (potatoes need a higher roll to cook). Add peas and simmer for 30 minutes or until potatoes, carrots, and peas are soft and perfect!
Thicken with potato flakes or other thickening agent.

SUGGESTIONS

Serve with fresh baked bread or rolls. Sour cream may be added at the table.