Methods/steps

Slowly saute the bacon in a large heavy skillet to render the fat. Remove the bacon and drain on a paper towel.

In a large bowl combine 2 tablespoons of the paprika and one half of the pepper with flour. Add the beef, toss to coat, remove and shake off the excess flour. Add the beef to the skillet and quickly brown. Remove the beef as it becomes browned and put it in a heavy stock pot.

Add the onions and garlic to the skillet, adding a little vegetable oil if necessary, and saute until they are browned. Remove and add to the pot with the beef.

Deglaze the pan by adding a cup of the broth to the skillet, raising the heat, and bringing it to a boil and scraping the sides and bottom of the skillet to remove all the browned bits and pieces in the pan. Pour the mixture in with the beef.

Add the remaining broth and the beer, if using, chiles, potato, carrot, caraway seeds, vinegar, and tomato paste. Also stir in the remaining paprika, black pepper and reserved bacon. Bring the pot to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the vegetables are done and the meat is very tender, about 45 to 50 minutes. Add more broth if necessary to thin to the desired consistency.

To serve, ladle the soup into individual soup bowls, garnish with a dollop of sour cream and serve.