Description
Goulash is a rich and hearty stew with origins in Hungary, featuring tender beef (or pork), onions, garlic, paprika, and vegetables simmered in a savory broth. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for cold weather or special occasions, often served with bread, dumplings, or potatoes.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck or brisket), cut into bite-sized cubes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons paprika (preferably Hungarian sweet paprika)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
1/2 teaspoon ground caraway seeds (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
1/2 cup tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 carrots, sliced
1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
1 cup canned diced tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in batches and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onions for about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, and thyme. Let the spices cook for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Add tomato paste, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. Stir and scrape the bottom to release browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
- Return browned beef to the pot. Add cubed potatoes, carrots, and bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 1.5-2 hours until beef is tender and flavors meld together. Stir occasionally.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream. Pair with bread, dumplings, or boiled potatoes.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with mushrooms, eggplant, and lentils.
- For a spicier dish, add chili flakes or fresh chili peppers.
- Use pork shoulder or pork stew meat instead of beef for a pork version of Goulash.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-2.5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
