Wiener Saftgulasch

Regarded as the Austrian answer to Hungarian-style goulash, Wiener saftgulasch is a hearty stew that consists of diced lean beef drenched in a thick, flavorful gravy. Although it has evolved from the Hungarian version of the dish, Austrian beef goulash is believed to be a gourmet delicacy of its own kind. It is usually prepared with beef (traditionally lean beef shank), onions, tomato paste, and lard, while the combination is typically flavored with vinegar, Hungarian paprika, bay leaves, marjoram, caraway, lemon zest, juniper berries, sugar, salt, and black pepper. What makes this variety of goulash stand out from the rest is the thick and smooth consistency of the sauce that is achieved through the cooking process, without the addition of any thickeners such as roux, sour cream, or flour, as well as the stew's rich, savory, and spicy flavor. It is recommended to prepare this Austrian specialty at least a day ahead of consumption since the flavor is said to improve significantly with time. Traditionally, Wiener saftgulasch is enjoyed with accompaniments such as nockerl (a type of dumplings), spätzle (noodles), potatoes, or kaiser rolls (crusty round bread rolls). The beef stew's popularity has given rise to numerous variations throughout the country, including the one that is known as fiakergulasch (coachman's goulash).