Discover the rich flavors of Hungary with this authentic Hungarian goulash. This traditional Hungarian goulash recipe is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for an easy goulash recipe or an old fashioned goulash recipe, this guide will walk you through every step to create a delicious meal that brings a taste of Hungary to your table.
Hungarian goulash, known as “gulyás” in Hungary, is a traditional stew that dates back to the 9th century. Originally prepared by Hungarian shepherds, this dish has evolved over centuries to become a staple of Hungarian cuisine. It is characterized by its rich, paprika-infused broth and tender chunks of beef, often accompanied by vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes. Goulash is not only a beloved comfort food in Hungary but also enjoys popularity across Central Europe, celebrated for its robust flavors and hearty ingredients.
Table of contents
Recipe Card
Hungarian Goulash
Cuisine: HungarianDifficulty: Medium6
servings20
minutes1
hour30
minutes314
kcalA savory and hearty stew made with tender beef, onions, Hungarian paprika, tomatoes, and sweet peppers, offering a taste of Hungarian tradition.
Ingredients
3 pounds Beef Stew Meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
2 tablespoons Lard (or 6 tablespoons vegetable oil)
4 Large Onions (finely diced)
5 Garlic Cloves (minced)
1 Sweet Bell Pepper (diced)
4 tablespoons Sweet Hungarian Paprika Powder
2 Bay Leaves
1 ½ cups Tomato Sauce (or 3 tablespoons tomato paste)
1 teaspoon Ground Caraway Seeds
1 cup Water (or beef stock)
Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Sour Cream (optional, for serving)
Directions
- Heat the lard or oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until golden brown.
- Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides.
- Stir in the garlic, bell pepper, and paprika. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the tomato sauce, bay leaves, caraway seeds, and water or beef stock. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with sour cream if desired.
Notes
- Paprika: Use high-quality Hungarian paprika for the best flavor.
- Meat: Beef chuck is ideal for this recipe due to its marbling and flavor.
- Consistency: Adjust the amount of water or beef stock to achieve your desired consistency.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Authenticity and Tradition
This Traditional Hungarian Goulash recipe stays true to its roots. Unlike the thick, gravy-like versions popular in the U.S. or Germany, authentic goulash is a soup-like dish. The flavors are deeply layered, achieved through slow simmering and the use of high-quality Hungarian paprika, which is key to its characteristic taste.
2. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors
One of the best things about Traditional Hungarian Goulash is that it requires simple, everyday ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy—just beef, onions, paprika, potatoes, and a few other pantry staples. Yet, when these ingredients come together, they create a rich and flavorful dish that feels gourmet.
3. The Power of Paprika
The defining spice in this dish is Hungarian paprika. It’s important to use authentic Hungarian sweet paprika rather than regular supermarket paprika, which can lack depth. Hungarian paprika has a deep, sweet, slightly smoky taste that is irreplaceable. Some variations also include hot or smoked paprika for an extra kick.
4. Slow Cooking for Tender Meat
Beef, when slow-cooked properly, turns into melt-in-your-mouth perfection. This recipe ensures that the meat becomes tender while also allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. The slow cooking process also enhances the broth’s richness, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
5. Easily Customizable
While the traditional version is already delicious, there’s plenty of room for customization:
- Spicier Version: Add hot paprika or a diced chili pepper.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with mushrooms and add a splash of soy sauce for umami.
- Thicker Consistency: Some people prefer a stew-like texture; you can reduce the liquid or add a bit of flour to thicken it.
Additional Tips for a perfect Goulash recipe
- Slow Cooking: For even more tender meat, consider slow cooking the goulash for 2-3 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the beef to become incredibly tender.
- Vegetables: Add carrots and potatoes for extra heartiness. These vegetables not only add flavor but also make the dish more filling. Dice them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot about halfway through the cooking time.
- Serving: Serve with crusty bread or over egg noodles for a complete meal. The bread is perfect for soaking up the rich, flavorful broth, while egg noodles provide a satisfying base for the stew.
- Storage: Goulash tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or beef stock if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Portion out the goulash into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level to your preference. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of hot paprika or a diced chili pepper.
- Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can add a burst of color and freshness to the dish. Sprinkle them on top just before serving.
Variants of the Recipe
While the classic Traditional Hungarian Goulash Recipe is amazing on its own, here are some exciting variations:
1. Spicy Hungarian Goulash
If you love heat, try adding hot Hungarian paprika or a diced hot chili pepper. Some traditional versions also include Eros Pista, a Hungarian hot pepper paste, for an extra fiery kick.
2. Smoky Goulash
For a deeper, smokier flavor, substitute part of the sweet paprika with smoked paprika. This adds a slightly rustic taste that pairs beautifully with the slow-cooked beef.
3. Vegetarian Goulash
If you want a meat-free version, swap the beef for hearty mushrooms, lentils, or jackfruit. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots. A splash of soy sauce or miso paste helps replace the umami depth of beef.
4. Thicker, Stew-Like Goulash
If you prefer a stew rather than a soup, reduce the broth by half and add a small amount of flour or cornstarch slurry to thicken the liquid. Some people also add a bit of tomato paste for richness.
5. Goulash with Red Wine
For extra depth, some recipes include a splash of red wine in the broth. This gives the dish a rich, velvety taste. Be sure to let the alcohol cook off for at least 10-15 minutes before adding the rest of the liquid.
6. Csipetke Dumpling Goulash
Some Hungarian versions include csipetke dumplings, small, chewy dumplings made from flour and eggs. These add a delightful texture and make the dish even more satisfying.
FAQ Abour Hungarian goulash recipe
Yes! While traditional goulash often uses beef, you can substitute it with pork, chicken, or even ground meat for a quicker version. Just adjust cooking times as needed, since leaner meats may cook faster.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix a small amount of flour or cornstarch with water and stir it into the goulash.
Absolutely! Goulash often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. You can make it a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and simply reheat it on the stovetop when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Traditional Hungarian Goulash recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a taste of history, a comforting dish that brings warmth and deep flavors to your table. Whether you’re savoring it on a cold evening or serving it at a family gathering, this goulash delivers an authentic taste of Hungary with its rich, paprika-infused broth and tender beef. The slow-cooking process allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully, creating a dish that is both hearty and satisfying.
If you love Traditional Hungarian Goulash, you might also enjoy other comforting, slow-cooked meals like this Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup, which features a similar rich and savory broth. For another warming, hearty meal, try this Miracle Stew Recipe—a perfect choice for those who enjoy flavorful one-pot dishes.
Looking for more soups and stews? This Pastina Soup Recipe offers a comforting Italian twist, while Crock Pot Celery and Carrot Soup is a fantastic option for an easy, nutritious meal.
No matter how you choose to serve it, Traditional Hungarian Goulash remains a classic that is easy to love. If you’re a fan of bold flavors and cozy meals, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed! Let us know how your goulash turns out, and don’t forget to explore more delicious recipes from around the world.
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