Hearty Hungarian Goulash Soup
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Hearty Hungarian Goulash Soup, a comforting and robust dish perfect for chilly days. This soup combines tender cubed top sirloin with an array of vibrant vegetables, aromatic spices, and a touch of cream to create a deliciously satisfying meal. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, this recipe serves eight and embodies the warmth and heartiness of traditional Hungarian cuisine. Gather your loved ones and dive into this bowl of goodness, ideal for family dinners or special gatherings.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
3 tablespoons (Melted)
chopped onions
1 1/2 cups (Fresh)
chopped garlic
1 tablespoon (Fresh)
cubed top sirloin steak
1 1/2 lbs (Cubed into bite-sized pieces)
flour
1/2 cup (All-purpose)
paprika
2 tablespoons (Sweet or smoked)
tomato paste
3 tablespoons (Concentrated)
canned tomatoes
1 (16-ounce) can (Chopped and undrained)
water
8 cups (Fresh)
beef bouillon
8 teaspoons (Granulated or cube)
sugar
2 tablespoons (Granulated)
potatoes
4 (Diced)
large carrots
4 (Diced)
green bell peppers
2 (Diced)
red bell peppers
2 (Diced)
bay leaf
1 (Whole)
dried marjoram
1/2 teaspoon (Dried)
caraway seed
1/2 teaspoon (Whole)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
cream
3/4 cup (Heavy or light, to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large soup kettle, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 5 minutes.
2
Stir in the chopped garlic and cubed top sirloin steaks. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned on all sides, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3
Sprinkle in the flour, paprika, and tomato paste. Stir continuously until the mixture is well-combined and smooth.
4
Add the undrained chopped tomatoes, water, and beef bouillon. Stir thoroughly to separate the meat and distribute the flavors evenly.
5
Incorporate the diced potatoes, carrots, green bell peppers, red bell peppers, bay leaf, marjoram, caraway seed, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 1 hour, or until the meat and vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
7
Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and stir in the cream. Adjust seasoning as needed, and allow the soup to cool slightly before serving.
8
For the best flavor, let the soup rest for 30 minutes before serving. This step enhances the taste as it allows the ingredients to meld together.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Hungarian Goulash Soup?
It is a comforting and robust dish that combines tender cubed top sirloin with vibrant vegetables, aromatic spices, and a touch of cream.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe serves eight people, making it ideal for family dinners or special gatherings.
What cut of beef is best for this goulash?
The recipe recommends using 1 1/2 lbs of top sirloin steak, cubed into bite-sized pieces.
What type of paprika should I use?
You can use either sweet or smoked paprika depending on your flavor preference.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer uncovered for approximately 1 hour until the meat and vegetables are tender.
Why should the soup rest for 30 minutes after cooking?
Resting the soup allows the ingredients to meld together, which significantly enhances the overall flavor.
What vegetables are included in this soup?
The soup features onions, garlic, potatoes, carrots, and both green and red bell peppers.
How much water is required for the base?
You will need 8 cups of fresh water combined with beef bouillon.
Is cream a necessary ingredient?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of heavy or light cream stirred in at the end to add a touch of richness and smooth out the texture.
What herbs and spices provide the aromatic flavor?
The aromatic profile comes from garlic, paprika, bay leaf, dried marjoram, and caraway seeds.
Can I use bouillon cubes instead of granulated bouillon?
Yes, you can use 8 teaspoons of granulated bouillon or the equivalent amount of beef bouillon cubes.
How do I prepare the canned tomatoes?
Use one 16-ounce can of chopped tomatoes and include the liquid (undrained) in the soup.
What is the purpose of adding flour?
Flour is stirred into the butter and meat mixture to act as a thickening agent for the soup.
Should I cook the soup covered or uncovered?
The soup should be simmered uncovered to allow the flavors to concentrate and the liquid to slightly reduce.
When do I add the cream?
The cream should be stirred in once the cooking process is complete and the bay leaf has been removed.
How much garlic is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped garlic.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
The recipe specifies 4 diced potatoes; while peeling is standard, you can leave them according to your preference.
What heat setting should I use to sauté the onions?
The onions should be sautéed in butter over medium-high heat until translucent.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar are added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and tomato paste.
How long does it take to brown the beef?
Browning the cubed top sirloin typically takes about 8-10 minutes.
What type of pot is recommended?
A large soup kettle is recommended to accommodate the 8 cups of water and various ingredients.
Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 3/4 cup of either heavy or light cream to taste.
When should I remove the bay leaf?
Remove the whole bay leaf after the simmering process is finished and before serving.
How many bell peppers are needed?
The recipe requires 2 green bell peppers and 2 red bell peppers, both diced.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
You can adjust the consistency by adding a little more water or beef broth until it reaches your desired thickness.
Can I substitute the top sirloin?
While top sirloin is recommended for tenderness, you can use other beef stew meats, though they may require a longer simmering time.
How much tomato paste is used?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of concentrated tomato paste for depth of flavor.
What type of salt and pepper should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt (to taste) and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
Is caraway seed essential?
Caraway seed is a traditional ingredient in Hungarian goulash that provides a distinct, authentic earthy flavor.
How do I ensure the meat stays tender?
Searing the meat first and then simmering it slowly for an hour ensures the top sirloin becomes tender and flavorful.