Traditional Hungarian Goulash Recipe
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
2 hrs 30 mins
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Total Time
2 hrs 45 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
602 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Hungarian
Traditional Hungarian Goulash Recipe
Description
This recipe uses beef chuck cut into small cubes that are thoroughly browned to develop flavor before being simmered with finely chopped onions, garlic, red bell pepper, and tomatoes. The hallmark of Hungarian goulash—sweet and hot paprika powders—are key to achieving the characteristic flavor without overwhelming heat. Caraway seeds provide a distinctive aroma, while bay leaves and tomato paste deepen the stew's profile.
The cooking process involves initial searing, followed by a gentle sauté of vegetables and aromatics, then simmering in beef broth or water to meld flavors and tenderize the beef. Salt and pepper season the dish to taste.
To control saltiness, use low-sodium broth or substitute water. Lard provides a traditional fat, but vegetable oil may be used with adjustments. The stew is hearty and can be served alone or with bread or noodles.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef beef chuck, stewing
- 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil, divided, Note 1
- 2 onion about 300 g/ 10.5 oz
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 1 red bell pepper about 100 g/ 3.5 oz
- 2 tomato about 200 g/ 7 oz
- 2 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons paprika Hungarian sweet, powder
- ¼– ½ teaspoon Hungarian hot paprika powder to taste, the goulash should not be too hot (not smoked paprika)
- ¾ teaspoon caraway seeds ground
- 1 ½ tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth or water, Note 2
- salt fine sea salt and freshly ground
- black pepper fine sea salt and freshly ground
Instructions
- Cut the beef chuck into small cubes, about 0.7 inches/ 2 cm. Place them onto paper towels and pat them dry with more paper towels. Chop the onions very finely. 2 lbs stewing beef + 2 onions
- Sear the beef: Melt some of the lard (or oil) in the pot. Sear the beef cubes in 2 or 3 batches, depending on the size of your pot. Cook them for about 5 minutes per batch or until nicely browned on all sides. Add more of the lard before each batch. Transfer the meat to a plate and set it aside.2 tablespoons lard, divided
- Cook onions: Add about 1 teaspoon more lard to the pot and fry the chopped onions until very lightly colored, about 5 minutes, stirring often and keeping an eye on them. If they threaten to catch, add a splash of water and continue cooking.
- Add the minced garlic, chopped peppers and tomatoes, and bay leaves, and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring a few times in between.3 large garlic cloves + 1 red bell pepper + 2 tomatoes + 2 bay leaves
- Add both sorts of paprika and ground caraway. Stir well for about 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and stir well again. Add the meat cubes and the beef broth, stirring again.2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika powder + ¼– ½ teaspoon Hungarian hot paprika powder + ¾ teaspoon ground caraway seeds + 1 ½ tablespoons tomato paste + 2 cups beef broth
- Simmer Hungarian goulash: Cover the pot, bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer the goulash until the meat is very tender, about 1 ½ – 2 hours. Check to make sure that the meat is really tender.
- Reduce: Uncover the pot and continue cooking the goulash for another 10-15 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly. Adjust the taste with salt and pepper.fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Notes
- Lard can be substituted with vegetable oil; add more as needed during cooking.
- Use low-sodium broth or water to prevent the stew from becoming too salty.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 602 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/4 of the dish | |
| Calories | 602kcal | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 85g | 170% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 14g | 82% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 254mg | 85% |
| Sodium | 1179mg | 49% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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