Traditional Hungarian Goulash

 

Traditional Hungarian Goulash 🍲

Hungarian goulash is a comforting and flavorful stew made with tender beef simmered in a rich paprika and tomato sauce. It’s a warm, hearty dish perfect for cool days!

👉Ingredients

🔸️🔸️For the Goulash:

◾️800g (1.75 lb) beef (chuck or stewing beef), cut into cubes

◾️2 onions, finely chopped

◾️3 garlic cloves, minced

◾️2 red bell peppers, chopped

◾️3 tbsp sweet paprika

◾️1 tsp ground cumin

◾️2 tbsp tomato paste

◾️1 can (400g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes

◾️750 ml (3 cups) beef broth

◾️2 bay leaves

◾️1 tbsp flour (optional, to thicken)

◾️2 tbsp vegetable oil or goose fat

◾️Salt and pepper, to taste

👉Instructions:

✅️1. Prepare the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil (or goose fat) over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.

✅️2. Cook the vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and bell peppers, cooking for another 2–3 minutes.

✅️3. Add the spices: Stir in the sweet paprika and cumin. Cook for 1 minute to release the aromas. Add the tomato paste and mix well.

✅️4. Add tomatoes and broth: Return the beef to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Toss in the bay leaves and season with salt and pepper.

✅️5. Slow simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer gently for about 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. Stir occasionally and check that the sauce doesn’t reduce too much—add water or broth if needed.

✅️6. Thicken (optional): If you'd like a thicker sauce, mix the flour with a little cold water and stir it into the goulash near the end of cooking. Let simmer for another 5–10 minutes.

✅️7. Serve: Remove the bay leaves and serve the goulash hot, with boiled potatoes, fresh pasta, or rustic bread.

👉Tip:

◾️For authentic flavor, use high-quality Hungarian paprika. A dollop of sour cream at serving time adds a creamy finishing touch!

🔹️Prep time: 20 minutes

🔹️Cook time: 2 hours 30 minutes

🔹️Serves: 4–6 servings