main courses | serves 4–6

In cafés and restaurants throughout Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Hungary, you’ll find this soup served at all hours. Spicy and restorative, it’s just the thing for a cold winter.

1. Add a good splash of oil to a large pan and gently sauté the onions, garlic and pepper until softened. Add the beef and continue to cook until the meat is browned and the vegetables are cooked. Stir in the paprika and cook for 2 more minutes, then add 200ml of the beef stock. Bring to the boil and cook until reduced by half. Add the marjoram, caraway seeds, a splash of vinegar, the tomatoes, the tomato purée and season well.
2. Add enough stock to cover and simmer until the meat and vegetables are tender, about 1½–2 hours. Add the potatoes, plus any remaining stock and a little water if it’s looking too dry, and simmer until the potatoes are cooked. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, if you like.