Here’s a classic Hungarian goulash recipe—the authentic, hearty stew that’s one of Hungary’s most famous dishes. 🍲🇭🇺
🍲 Hungarian Goulash (Gulyás)
🧾 Ingredients (4–6 servings)
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) beef chuck or shin, cut into 2–3 cm cubes
- 2–3 tbsp lard or vegetable oil
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika (do not burn it!)
- 1 tsp hot paprika or chili (optional, for spice)
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 medium parsnip, sliced (optional)
- 1–2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 2 tbsp tomato paste)
- 1–2 tsp caraway seeds (optional but traditional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1.5–2 liters (6–8 cups) beef broth or water
- Fresh parsley for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
- Sauté onions
- Heat lard or oil in a large pot.
- Fry onions slowly until golden (this is key for flavor!).
- Add meat & paprika
- Remove pot from heat briefly.
- Stir in sweet paprika and meat cubes until coated.
- Return to heat and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add garlic & spices
- Add garlic, caraway seeds, and black pepper. Stir for 1 minute.
- Add vegetables & liquid
- Pour in broth or water just enough to cover meat.
- Add carrots, parsnip, bell pepper, and tomatoes (or tomato paste).
- Simmer slowly
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
- Cover and simmer 1.5–2 hours until meat is tender.
- Add potatoes
- Add diced potatoes 20–30 minutes before the end.
- Adjust seasoning
- Add salt and more paprika if desired.
- Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Traditionally served with nokedli (small Hungarian dumplings) or crusty bread.
⭐ Tips for Authentic Gulyás
- Don’t overcook paprika: it turns bitter if fried too long.
- Use stewing beef with some fat for the best flavor.
- Goulash is often soupy rather than thick, unlike Western stews.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
If you want, I can also give a step-by-step “traditional stove-top method” with photos for each stage, like Hungarian chefs make it at home. It’s easier to follow than just words.
Do you want me to do that?
