Authentic Hungarian Goulash
Indulge in the rich and hearty flavors of this Authentic Hungarian Goulash, a cherished dish that has warmed hearts and homes for generations. This traditional recipe features tender cubes of stewing beef slow-cooked in a blend of aromatic spices, vibrant vegetables, and tangy tomato sauce, creating a comforting stew perfect for chilly evenings. With the earthy essence of paprika as its star ingredient, this goulash is not only a delightful meal but also an experience that transports you to the heart of Hungary with every bite. Serve it over steaming hot noodles and add a dollop of creamy sour cream to elevate the dish to perfection.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
stewing beef
2 lbs (cut into cubes)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
onions
1 1/4 cups (chopped)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
green pepper
1 (chopped)
cider vinegar
1 teaspoon (to taste)
tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (ready to use)
paprika
2 teaspoons (to taste)
water
2 cups (add as needed)
caraway seed
1/4 teaspoon (whole)
marjoram
1/8 teaspoon (dried)
Instructions
1
Begin by seasoning the stewing beef cubes with salt, pepper, and a generous sprinkle of paprika, ensuring they're well-coated.
2
In a Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat and add the seasoned beef. Brown the meat on all sides to seal in the flavors.
3
Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and green pepper. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables soften.
4
Stir in the cider vinegar, tomato sauce, the remaining paprika, caraway seed, marjoram, and water. Mix everything thoroughly to combine.
5
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the Dutch oven. Let it cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender.
6
Check the stew periodically, adding more water if it becomes too thick.
7
Once the goulash is ready, serve it hot over a bed of noodles, and consider garnishing each plate with a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Hungarian Goulash?
It is a traditional, hearty beef stew slow-cooked with aromatic spices, vegetables, and a tangy tomato sauce featuring paprika as the star ingredient.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of stewing beef cut into cubes.
How should the beef be seasoned before cooking?
Season the beef cubes with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and a generous sprinkle of paprika to ensure they are well-coated.
What is used to brown the beef?
The beef is browned in a Dutch oven using 1/4 cup of melted butter over medium heat.
How many onions are required?
The recipe requires 1 1/4 cups of chopped onions.
Is garlic used in this goulash?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 cloves of minced garlic.
What kind of pepper is added to the stew?
One chopped green pepper is added to the vegetable mix.
How much tomato sauce is needed?
Use one 8-ounce can of ready-to-use tomato sauce.
What is the star ingredient of this dish?
The earthy essence of paprika is the star ingredient of this authentic recipe.
How much water is added initially?
The recipe starts with 2 cups of water, adding more as needed to maintain the desired thickness.
Are caraway seeds included in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of whole caraway seeds is used for traditional flavor.
What dried herb is used for seasoning?
1/8 teaspoon of dried marjoram is included in the spice blend.
Why is cider vinegar added to the goulash?
One teaspoon of cider vinegar is added to provide a subtle tangy flavor profile.
How long should the goulash simmer?
The mixture should simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef becomes fork-tender.
How do I know when the beef is ready?
The beef is ready when it is fork-tender after slow-cooking.
What is the best way to serve Hungarian Goulash?
It is best served hot over a bed of steaming noodles.
Is there a recommended garnish for this dish?
A dollop of creamy sour cream is recommended to elevate the dish and add richness.
What kind of cooking vessel should be used?
A Dutch oven is ideal for browning the meat and slow-simmering the stew.
Should the Dutch oven be covered during simmering?
Yes, you should cover the Dutch oven while the goulash simmers to retain moisture.
What should I do if the stew becomes too thick?
Check the stew periodically and add more water if the consistency becomes too thick.
What heat setting is used for browning the meat?
Melt the butter and brown the meat over medium heat.
How are the vegetables prepared before cooking?
The onions and green pepper should be chopped, and the garlic should be minced.
When do I add the cider vinegar and tomato sauce?
Stir them in after the vegetables have softened, along with the spices and water.
How much paprika is used in total?
The recipe specifies 2 teaspoons of paprika used for seasoning and within the sauce.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Begin by seasoning the stewing beef cubes with salt, pepper, and paprika.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients listed in this authentic recipe.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting stew perfect for chilly evenings.
What is the role of butter in this recipe?
Butter is used to brown the meat and provides a rich base for the stew.
How often should the goulash be stirred?
The stew should be stirred occasionally during its 1.5 to 2-hour simmer.
What kind of experience does this dish provide?
It is described as an experience that transports you to the heart of Hungary with every bite.