Authentic Hungarian Goulash Recipe: Hearty Beef Stew with Paprika and Vegetables

Hungarian Goulash Recipe: A Hearty and Flavorful One-Pot Meal

Hungarian goulash, known as “Gulyás,” is a traditional, rich, and hearty dish that showcases the bold flavors of paprika, cumin, and tender beef. This comforting stew, brimming with vegetables and served with a side of crusty bread, is perfect for colder months or any time you crave a fulfilling, satisfying meal. The dish features tender chunks of beef, softened vegetables, and a flavorful broth that simmers to perfection. Read on to discover how to make this classic Hungarian recipe that will have your family coming back for seconds!

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef
   Begin by preparing the beef for your goulash. Remove any connective tissues and excess fat, then slice the meat into 1.5 to 2 cm thick pieces. Once the pieces are cut, chop them into small cubes, which will cook faster and soak up all the flavors of the broth and spices.

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2. Chop the Vegetables
   Peel and finely chop the onion. For the tomatoes, remove the stem, rinse them thoroughly, and cut them into small cubes, about 1 cm in size. Take the garlic clove, peel it, and crush it with the side of your knife.

3. Cook the Onions
   Heat the olive oil in a large, high-sided casserole pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent them from burning. You want the onions to soften and turn translucent, which will create a flavorful base for your goulash.

4. Brown the Beef
   Once the onions have softened, add the cubed beef to the pot. Stir well to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the onions and oil. Let the beef brown for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. This step will help to seal in the flavors of the beef and give it a rich, savory taste.

5. Add the Spices and Tomatoes
   Once the beef is browned and slightly caramelized, sprinkle in the sweet paprika and cumin seeds. Stir to coat the meat and vegetables with the spices. Next, add the crushed garlic and diced tomatoes to the pot, mixing everything together to ensure the flavors are well distributed.

6. Simmer with Broth
   Pour the warm beef broth into the pot, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the goulash simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes. The beef should become tender, and the broth will begin to thicken and develop a rich, flavorful base.

7. Prepare the Vegetables
   While the goulash simmers, peel the potatoes and cut them into medium-sized cubes. Slice the green bell peppers into 1 cm strips, removing the seeds and white membranes to avoid any bitterness.

8. Add the Vegetables
   Once the beef has become tender, it’s time to add the vegetables. First, add the cubed potatoes to the pot, followed by the sliced green peppers. Stir the mixture well to ensure everything is evenly combined. Cover the pot again and continue simmering for another 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

9. Season and Adjust
   After the vegetables have cooked, taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed. The dish should be rich and flavorful with a balance of spices and a slight heat from the paprika. If you prefer a thicker stew, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the broth to your desired consistency.

10. Serve and Enjoy
    Once the goulash is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve hot. For an authentic touch, you can serve it in a rustic dish or small individual earthenware pots (coccetti), which help retain the heat. The dish pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread to mop up the flavorful broth.

Tips for the Best Goulash

• Beef Selection: For the most tender and flavorful goulash, use a cut of beef that benefits from slow cooking, such as chuck or shoulder. These cuts become tender and juicy when simmered for extended periods.
• Spices: Sweet paprika is essential in Hungarian goulash, but if you like a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of hot paprika or chili flakes. Cumin adds a unique earthy depth that complements the other flavors beautifully.
• Vegetable Variations: While traditional goulash uses potatoes and peppers, feel free to experiment with other vegetables like carrots or celery for additional texture and flavor.
• Broth: If you don’t have homemade beef broth, store-bought broth works well. Just be sure to choose one with a good depth of flavor to enhance the dish.
• Serving Suggestions: Goulash is often enjoyed with hearty sides like bread, boiled potatoes, or even a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Conclusion

This Hungarian Goulash is a soul-satisfying meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. The combination of tender beef, vegetables, and aromatic spices creates a flavorful dish that warms the heart and fills the stomach. Whether served with crusty bread or over boiled potatoes, this goulash recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Give it a try and experience the rich tradition of Hungarian cuisine right in your own kitchen!