Peel and chop the onion. Clean, wash and cut the leek into large pieces. Clean, wash and cut the white cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Peel, wash and possibly halve the potatoes.
Wash the meat and dab dry. Heat clarified butter in a large pot. Brown the meat in portions, season with salt and pepper and remove. Add bay leaf and onion to the frying fat and steam for about 5 minutes.
Add meat and tomato paste and mix. Season with salt, pepper and caraway. Deglaze with stock and bring to the boil. Braise at low to medium heat for about 2 hours. Add vegetables and potatoes 20 minutes before the end of cooking time.
Meanwhile, wash the thyme, dab dry and pluck the leaves from the stalks. Add the thyme to the goulash just before serving.