Classic Hungarian Goulash Recipe 🍲

Classic Hungarian Goulash Recipe 🍲

Hungarian goulash is a hearty, flavorful stew that’s rich in tradition and packed with tender beef, paprika, and savory vegetables. Originating from Hungary, this classic dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings, offering deep, comforting flavors. Let’s dive into making this iconic dish! 😋

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes 🥩
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil 🧴 (for searing)
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped 🧅
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 2 tbsp sweet paprika 🌶️ (Hungarian paprika if possible)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika 🌶️ (optional, for an added smoky flavor)
• 1 tsp caraway seeds 🌿 (optional, but adds a nice, authentic flavor)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced 🥕
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 🥔
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 🫑
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 🫑
• 4 cups beef broth 🍲 (or water with beef bouillon)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste 🍅
• 1 bay leaf 🌿
• Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for serving) 🧴
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish) 🌿

Instructions:

Step 1: Sear the Beef

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. 🧴
• Add the beef cubes to the pot in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and sear them on all sides until they’re browned. 🥩 This should take about 4-5 minutes per batch. Once done, remove the beef and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

• In the same pot, add the chopped onions and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they become soft and translucent. 🧅
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning. 🧄

Step 3: Add Paprika and Spices

• Stir in the sweet paprika 🌶️ and smoked paprika (if using), and cook for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors.
• If you’re using caraway seeds, add them at this point as well, and stir everything together. 🌿

Step 4: Add Vegetables

• Now, add the carrots, potatoes, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the pot. Stir everything to combine and coat the vegetables in the paprika mixture. 🥕🥔🫑

Step 5: Add Broth and Tomato Paste

• Pour in the beef broth 🍲 (or water with bouillon) and stir in the tomato paste 🍅, which will help thicken the stew.
• Add the bay leaf 🌿 and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Simmer the Goulash

• Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally. The sauce should thicken into a rich, flavorful broth.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

• Once the goulash is done, remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
• Serve the goulash hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream 🧴 for a creamy, tangy touch, and garnish with fresh parsley 🌿 for some color and freshness.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Hungarian Goulash:

• Hearty and Filling: Perfect for cold weather, this stew is both comforting and satisfying, packed with tender beef, veggies, and a rich, flavorful broth.
• Authentic Flavors: The paprika is the star of the show, bringing that signature taste of Hungary right to your table. 🌶️
• Customizable: Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms, celery, or tomatoes if you like! You can also use pork or chicken instead of beef for a variation.
• Great for Leftovers: The flavors of goulash deepen the next day, making it even better for leftovers. 🍲

Pro Tips for the Best Goulash:

1. Use High-Quality Paprika: The paprika is what defines goulash, so using Hungarian paprika will give you the best results. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of hot paprika 🌶️.
2. Let It Simmer: The longer the goulash simmers, the more the flavors will develop. Don’t rush it — the slow cooking process makes the beef incredibly tender.
3. Sour Cream is Key: Don’t skip the sour cream topping! It adds richness and balances the heat from the paprika.
4. Serve with Fresh Bread: This dish is traditionally served with crusty bread 🥖 or dumplings (such as csipetke), which are perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.

Why You Should Try Hungarian Goulash:

Hungarian goulash is a classic, rustic dish that’s perfect for family meals, dinner parties, or cozy nights in. It combines simple ingredients, but the flavor is out of this world. The paprika adds a smoky warmth, while the tender beef, vegetables, and savory broth make each bite a comfort-packed delight. 🍲

Conclusion:

There’s nothing quite like a big pot of classic Hungarian goulash to bring warmth and flavor to your table. With its rich history, bold spices, and hearty ingredients, it’s the perfect dish to nourish the soul. Whether you’re serving it with bread, rice, or a dollop of sour cream, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy! 😊