Authentic Hungarian gulyas recipe
Hungarian Gulyas recipe
We would like to share with you one of our favorite recipe. People who have been at our house for a meal certainly appreciate the authentic Hungarian flavors.
Goulash is kind of in between a soup and a stew. Unlike some stews, Goulash is not overly packed full of beef and vegetables, it is a little more brothy. But through the cooking process, the broth becomes thicker and more like a rich sauce.
And no, contrary to popular belief there in the U.S., goulash is NOT made with ground beef or (heaven forbid) macaroni noodles!
To achieve the ultimate flavor, the cooking method is important and quality Hungarian paprika is essential. And lots of it! None of this “2 teaspoons of paprika” jazz. Hungarians use very generous amounts of paprika, and that’s key. For this size batch of Goulash, you want to use a full 1/4 cup of it.
Okay, let’s get to that goulash!
Chop up the bell peppers. We don’t have the kinds of peppers they use in Hungary, at least not that I’ve been able to find anywhere. The best ones to use in their place are red and some yellow/orange. Avoid green bell peppers as the ones we have over here have a completely different flavor profile. Chop up up the onions.
Chop up the carrots, tomatoes and potatoes. (Question of the day: How do YOU pronounce them? “Po-tay-toes” or “po-taw-toes”?
Dice up the beef. In Hungarian goulash the beef chunks are usually fairly small compared to other beef stews. Dice it into 1/2 inch chunks.
Heat the pork lard (or whatever fat source you’re using, though pork fat is traditional) in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and cook the onions until they’re beginning to brown, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the paprika. This will bring out its flavor but you don’t want to fry it or it will turn bitter.
Add the beef and garlic, return to the heat and cook over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes or until the beef is no longer red. The beef will release enough juices to keep the paprika from scorching.
Add the bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes.
Mmmmm, it’s already starting to smell so good!
Add the carrots, tomatoes and potatoes (however it is you choose to pronounce them).
Add the beef broth, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for 40 minutes. If you’re using a tougher cut of beef, simmer the beef first without the carrots, tomatoes, potatoes and bell peppers, for 30-45 minutes, then add the veggies and simmer for another 40 minutes.
It’s ready to eat! That gorgeous reddish-brown broth is so flavorful – you’re going to love it!
Dish it up and serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and some crusty bread. Traditionally also served with a cool cucumber salad.
Traditional Hungarian Goulash (Gulyas)
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
A thoroughly authentic and delicious Hungarian Goulash that will warm both body and soul!
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Hungarian
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 181 kcal
Ingredients
3 tablespoons pork lard or butter pork fat is traditionally used
1 1/2 pounds yellow onions chopped
1/4 cup good quality sweet imported Hungarian paprika
1 1/2 pounds beef ,see note, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
5 cloves garlic ,minced
2 red bell peppers ,seeded/membranes removed, cut into 1/2 inch chunks
1 yellow bell pepper ,seeded/membranes removed, cut into 1/2 inch chunks
2 tomatoes ,diced
2 carrots ,diced
2 medium potatoes ,cut into 1/2 inch chunks
5 cups beef broth
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Melt the lard or butter in a Dutch oven over medium high heat and cook the onions until beginning to brown, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the paprika. Add the beef and garlic, return to the heat, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink.
Add the bell peppers and cook for another 7-8 minutes. Add the carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for 40 minutes (see note). Add salt to taste.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream, some crusty bread, and a cool cucumber salad.
Recipe Notes
If you're using a tougher cut of beef, cook the beef first, without the carrots, tomatoes, potatoes and bell peppers, for 30-45 minutes, then add the vegetables and cook for another 40 minutes until the beef is tender.
