Savory Tempeh Goulash à la Hungarian Style (Slow Cooker)
Experience the rich and comforting flavors of Hungarian Goulash with a plant-based twist! In this delightful recipe, tempeh stands in for traditional meat, soaking up the glorious spices and tanginess from the sauerkraut and tomatoes. With the convenience of a slow cooker, this dish simmers to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it over wide noodles or alongside crusty bread for an unforgettable meal that’s hearty, nourishing, and completely satisfying for both vegans and carnivores alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (Measured)
Tempeh
1 pound (Cut into 1/2-inch thick slices)
Yellow onion
1 small (Halved and thinly sliced into half moons)
Sauerkraut
2 cups (Drained and rinsed)
Diced tomatoes
14.5 ounces (1 can) (Drained)
Sweet Hungarian paprika
1 tablespoon (Measured)
Dry white wine
1/4 cup (Measured)
Caraway seeds
1 teaspoon (Measured)
Tomato paste
2 tablespoons (Measured)
Vegetable stock
1.5 cups (Measured)
Salt
to taste (Seasoned)
Black pepper
to taste (Seasoned)
Sour cream or tofu sour cream
1/2 cup (Measured)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced tempeh and brown on both sides for about 10 minutes. Remove the tempeh from the skillet and set aside.
2
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Incorporate the sliced onion, cover, and sauté until the onions are softened and just beginning to caramelize, about 5 minutes.
3
Transfer the sautéed onions to a 4-quart slow cooker. To the slow cooker, add the browned tempeh, rinsed sauerkraut, drained diced tomatoes, sweet Hungarian paprika, dry white wine, caraway seeds, tomato paste, and vegetable stock. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4
Cover the slow cooker and let the mixture cook on Low for approximately 6 hours, allowing all of the flavors to develop richly.
5
When you're ready to serve, ladle out about 1/2 cup of the hot liquid into a small bowl. Whisk in the sour cream or tofu sour cream until smooth, then stir this mixture back into the goulash. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6
Serve your savory tempeh goulash immediately, ideally over wide noodles or with crusty bread. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Tempeh Goulash?
Savory Tempeh Goulash is a plant-based adaptation of traditional Hungarian goulash that uses tempeh instead of meat, cooked in a slow cooker with spices and sauerkraut.
How long does it take to cook in the slow cooker?
The dish should be cooked on the Low setting for approximately 6 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, it is completely vegan if you use a tofu-based sour cream or a dairy-free alternative as suggested in the ingredients.
What is the main protein used in this goulash?
The main protein source is one pound of tempeh, sliced into half-inch thick pieces.
Do I need to brown the tempeh before putting it in the slow cooker?
Yes, the instructions recommend browning the tempeh in olive oil for about 10 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker.
What type of paprika is best for this recipe?
Sweet Hungarian paprika is recommended for its authentic flavor profile.
Should the sauerkraut be rinsed before use?
Yes, the recipe specifies using two cups of sauerkraut that has been drained and rinsed.
What kind of onion should I use?
One small yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced into half moons, is used for this recipe.
What are the suggested serving options?
This goulash is best served over wide noodles or accompanied by crusty bread.
How do I incorporate the sour cream without it curdling?
Ladle out 1/2 cup of hot liquid into a bowl, whisk in the sour cream until smooth, and then stir the mixture back into the goulash.
Can I substitute the white wine?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of dry white wine, but you can substitute it with extra vegetable stock if you prefer to avoid alcohol.
What size slow cooker is needed?
A 4-quart slow cooker is the ideal size for this quantity of ingredients.
Is there caraway in this recipe?
Yes, one teaspoon of caraway seeds is included to provide a traditional earthy flavor.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
While designed for a slow cooker, you can simmer it on low heat in a covered heavy pot for 1 to 2 hours.
Is this goulash gluten-free?
The recipe can be gluten-free if you ensure your tempeh, vegetable stock, and serving sides (like bread or noodles) are certified gluten-free.
How many people does this recipe serve?
While not explicitly stated, the ingredient amounts typically yield 4 to 6 servings.
What type of tomatoes are used?
One 14.5-ounce can of drained diced tomatoes is used.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers or mushrooms would be excellent additions to this savory stew.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze tempeh goulash?
Yes, it freezes well, though the texture of the sour cream might change slightly upon reheating.
Do I need to sauté the onions first?
Yes, the onions should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until softened before being added to the slow cooker.
Is the dish spicy?
It is savory rather than spicy due to the use of sweet paprika, but you can add crushed red pepper for heat.
Can I use tomato sauce instead of tomato paste?
Tomato paste is used for its concentrated flavor; replacing it with sauce may make the dish too liquid.
How much vegetable stock is required?
The recipe requires 1.5 cups of vegetable stock.
What is the purpose of the wine?
The dry white wine adds acidity and depth to the broth, balancing the richness of the tempeh and spices.
Can I cook this on High?
You can cook it on High for about 3 hours, though Low is preferred for better flavor development.
What is the texture of the tempeh in this dish?
The tempeh becomes tender while maintaining its shape, absorbing the savory liquid of the stew.
What can I substitute for tempeh?
Extra-firm tofu or seitan chunks can be used as alternatives, though the cooking time may vary.
Does this recipe contain oil?
Yes, it uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil for browning the tempeh and sautéing the onions.
How much sour cream is added at the end?
One-half cup of sour cream or tofu sour cream is stirred in just before serving.