Ultimate Hungarian Red Wine Goulash Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite 🍷🇭🇺

Hungarian Goulash with Red Wine 🇭🇺🍷

Hungarian Goulash, a hearty dish packed with rich flavors and a comforting aroma, hails from the heart of Hungary. This recipe, influenced by a Hungarian flatmate I once shared quarters with, holds a special place in my culinary repertoire. Let’s dive into the essence of this European classic that’s perfect for cozy weeknights, simmering to perfection on your stovetop.

🕒 Time Table

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
10 mins	2 hours	2 hours 10 mins

🥩 Ingredients

2-3 lbs stewing beef 🥩
1/2 lb bacon 🥓
1/2 tsp salt 🧂
1/4 tsp black pepper 🌶️
2 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika 🌶️
1 tsp caraway seeds 🌿
1 bay leaf 🍃
1-2 green peppers, diced 🫑
1 1/2 cups dry red wine 🍷
1 1/2 tsp minced garlic 🧄
3-4 onions, chopped 🧅
1 cup sour cream (optional) 🥛
1/2 tsp hot paprika (optional) 🌶️

🍲 Instructions

Fry the Bacon: In a deep pan, fry the bacon pieces over medium heat until the fat starts to render out. This step will infuse the dish with that delicious smoky flavor.
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Brown the Beef: Add the stewing beef to the pan with the bacon, browning the meat on all sides. This step caramelizes the surface of the beef, enhancing its depth of flavor.
Onion and Garlic Magic: Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring them into the beef and bacon mixture. Let them cook until they turn fragrant and golden brown.
Add the Peppers and Paprika: Incorporate the diced green peppers, sweet Hungarian paprika, and caraway seeds into the pot. Stir everything together, allowing the paprika to bloom and infuse its vibrant color into the dish.
Pour in the Wine: Now, it’s time to add the star ingredient—dry red wine. This robust addition brings a depth of flavor and richness to the goulash. Let it mingle with the other ingredients, creating a symphony of flavors.
Simmer to Perfection: Cover the pan with a lid and let the goulash simmer on low heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a tender and succulent dish. If the goulash becomes too thick, feel free to add a bit of water. Conversely, if it’s too thin, remove the lid and let it simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken the sauce.
Creamy Indulgence (Optional): For those who crave an extra touch of richness, stir in the sour cream just before serving. This addition adds a velvety creaminess to the goulash, elevating it to new heights of indulgence.
Final Flavor Kick (Optional): If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle in some hot paprika. This spicy addition will awaken your taste buds and add a tantalizing kick to each bite.
Serve and Enjoy: Hungarian Goulash is traditionally served with buttered noodles or bread dumplings, creating the perfect canvas for soaking up all that luscious sauce. Plate up a generous portion of this soul-warming dish, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired, and savor every comforting bite.

🌟 Recipe Notes

Meat Selection: Opt for well-marbled stewing beef, such as chuck or round, for the best results. The marbling adds richness and ensures the meat becomes tender during the cooking process.
Paprika Quality: The key to an authentic Hungarian Goulash lies in the quality of the paprika. Sweet Hungarian paprika is the star here, imparting a sweet and earthy flavor. Look for high-quality paprika for the most authentic taste.
Make-Ahead Magic: Like many stewed dishes, Hungarian Goulash tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Prepare it in advance for an effortless weeknight meal or a delightful make-ahead option for gatherings.
Customize to Taste: Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings to suit your palate. If you prefer more heat, add extra hot paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For those who love garlic, feel free to amp up the cloves for a robust flavor profile.
Wine Pairing: Since dry red wine is a key component of this recipe, consider serving the same wine alongside the goulash. A robust red, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, complements the rich flavors of the dish beautifully.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Buttered Noodles: The silky strands of buttered noodles make an excellent base for ladling the goulash on top. The noodles soak up the flavorful sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
Bread Dumplings: Pillowy-soft bread dumplings, known as “Nokedli” in Hungarian cuisine, are another classic accompaniment. These fluffy dumplings are perfect for soaking up every last bit of the savory sauce.

🏆 Cooking Tips

Low and Slow: The secret to tender beef in goulash is low, gentle heat. Allow the dish to simmer slowly, ensuring the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Reheating Perfection: If reheating leftovers, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop. This helps prevent the meat from becoming tough and ensures the flavors remain vibrant.
Freezer-Friendly: Hungarian Goulash freezes exceptionally well. Simply portion out leftovers into airtight containers or freezer bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

🍷 Wine Pairing

For a delightful pairing, serve Hungarian Goulash with the same dry red wine used in the recipe. The wine’s robust flavors will complement the rich, savory notes of the dish. Alternatively, opt for a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or a velvety Merlot for a perfect marriage of flavors.

🍲 Embrace the Comfort of Hungarian Cuisine!

There you have it—your ticket to a cozy, flavor-packed journey through Hungarian cuisine with this delectable Hungarian Goulash recipe. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a gathering with loved ones, this dish is sure to warm both your kitchen and your heart. So, grab your favorite pot, gather the ingredients, and let the aromas of paprika and simmering beef fill your home. Get ready to indulge in a bowlful of comfort, Hungarian style! Bon appétit! 🥂✨