Ah, Hungarian goulash! This dish has a special place in my heart and my kitchen. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Growing up, my grandmother would whip up a pot of this hearty stew, filling the house with the incredible aroma of spices and simmering beef. Trust me, the flavors are just as rich as the history behind it. This traditional Hungarian goulash recipe is all about bold flavors and comforting ingredients. You can’t go wrong with tender beef, potatoes, and a medley of spices that dance on your palate. So grab your pot and let’s dive into this delicious journey together!
Ingredients List
Let’s gather everything we need for this delicious Hungarian goulash recipe! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes: Choose a nice marbled cut for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: This is for browning the meat and adding flavor.
- 1 large onion, chopped: A sweet, aromatic base that brings everything together.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor that’s hard to resist.
- 2 tablespoons paprika: This is the star spice; it gives the goulash its characteristic color and warmth.
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds: These add a lovely, earthy flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: Any color will do; it adds sweetness and crunch.
- 4 medium potatoes, diced: Potatoes make this stew hearty and filling!
- 4 cups beef broth: Use a good-quality broth for the best flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A sprinkle of parsley brightens everything up!
How to Prepare Hungarian Goulash Recipe
Alright, let’s get cooking! This Hungarian goulash recipe is simple, but it takes time to develop those rich flavors. Here’s how I make it:
- Heat the oil: Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it hot enough that when you add the onions, they sizzle right away.
- Sauté the aromatics: Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 5–7 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. This is where the magic begins!
- Brown the beef: Now, add your beef cubes to the pot, making sure to brown them on all sides. This should take around 8–10 minutes. You want that beautiful, deep color on the meat, as it adds so much flavor to the stew.
- Spice it up: Stir in the paprika and caraway seeds. Let them toast for about a minute to release their essential oils. You’ll smell the fragrance filling the kitchen—yum!
- Add the veggies: Next, toss in the chopped bell pepper and diced potatoes. Stir everything together to combine.
- Pour in the broth: Now, it’s time for the beef broth! Pour it in and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low to let it simmer.
- Simmer away: Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking will make the beef tender and infuse all those flavors. Just give it a stir occasionally to keep everything nice and mixed.
- Season to taste: Before serving, taste the goulash and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Don’t be shy—this is where you can adjust the flavors!
- Garnish: Finally, when you’re ready to serve, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
And there you have it—a beautiful pot of Hungarian goulash that’s sure to warm your heart and fill your belly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Hungarian goulash recipe is a true comfort food that you’ll keep coming back to. Here’s why it’s one of my favorites:
- Hearty and filling, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Rich, layered flavors that develop beautifully during cooking.
- Simple ingredients make it easy to whip up.
- Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
- A classic dish that brings family and friends together.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Hungarian goulash turns out perfectly, here are my top tips! First, don’t rush the simmering process. Letting it cook for a full 1.5 to 2 hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the beef to become incredibly tender. Trust me, patience is key here!
Also, quality ingredients make all the difference. Opt for fresh vegetables and a good-quality beef broth for a richer flavor. If you can, use Hungarian paprika—it really elevates the dish!
And when serving, consider pairing it with crusty bread or homemade dumplings to soak up that delicious sauce. Wow, your guests will be raving about it!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to put your spin on this Hungarian goulash recipe! For a burst of color and flavor, try adding in some diced carrots or peas—both work wonderfully and add some sweetness to the mix. If you love heat, toss in a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Want to switch up the spices? You can experiment with adding a bay leaf during simmering, or even a dash of thyme for an earthy note. And for a twist on the classic, consider using pork or chicken instead of beef. Each variation brings its own unique flair, making this dish endlessly customizable. Enjoy the journey of flavors!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk nutrition! This Hungarian goulash recipe is not just delicious; it packs a hearty nutritional punch. Each serving roughly contains:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. This dish is not only filling but also gives you a good balance of protein and carbs to keep you satisfied!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this Hungarian goulash recipe? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I use different cuts of meat? Absolutely! While beef chuck is my go-to for tenderness, you can use brisket or even pork if that’s what you have on hand.
How can I thicken the goulash? If you prefer a thicker stew, simply mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the goulash during the last few minutes of simmering.
Is it okay to make this ahead of time? Yes! In fact, Hungarian goulash tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I freeze leftovers? Definitely! This dish freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it for up to three months.
What’s the best way to serve goulash? I love serving it with crusty bread or over a bed of egg noodles for a hearty meal. Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers from your delicious Hungarian goulash recipe can be a lifesaver for busy days! Once the goulash has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It’ll last up to three months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or pop them in the microwave until heated through. Just like that, you’ve got a warm, comforting meal ready to go!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this hearty Hungarian goulash recipe, I love pairing it with crusty bread for dipping. Freshly baked rolls or a rustic baguette are perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce! If you’re feeling a bit fancy, serve it over a bed of buttery egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting twist. And don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for that lovely pop of color!
Print
Hungarian Goulash Recipe: 7 Steps to Heartwarming Goodness
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A traditional Hungarian goulash recipe that’s hearty and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Add beef cubes; brown on all sides.
- Stir in paprika and caraway seeds.
- Add bell pepper and potatoes.
- Pour in beef broth; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use a heavy pot for even cooking.
- Let it simmer longer for a richer flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread or dumplings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: hungarian goulash recipe
