Goulash Soup "Mathilde"

Ingredients:

1 pound lean beef, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1 1/2 tablespoons sweet paprika
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon pepper, plus more to taste
Salt and pepper
3 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 white onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 large russet potato, diced
3 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons tomato paste
8 cups water, divided
Grated zest of 1/4 lemon
Pinch caraway seeds
2 sprigs parsley, chopped
Hearty German bread, such as a pumpernickel or sunflower variety

Preparation:

Combine beef, paprika and flour in a bowl. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Heat oil in a soup pot; add beef and brown on high heat, stirring. When brown, add onions. Cook and stir, allowing onions to soften; add bell peppers, potato and garlic, turning heat down to medium. When onions start to caramelize, add 1/2 cup water. Continue cooking until water is gone; add 1/2 cup more water and cook again until water is gone. Add remaining 7 cups water and let simmer on medium-low heat for 30 45 minutes, until beef is tender. Season with salt, pepper, lemon zest, caraway seeds and parsley. Serve with German bread.