Traditional Hungarian Goulash Recipe
Ingredients
To make traditional Hungarian goulash, you will need the following ingredients:- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup sour cream, for serving
Instructions
To make traditional Hungarian goulash, follow these steps:- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- Add the onions to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic, paprika, caraway seeds, salt, and black pepper to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the green bell pepper and tomatoes to the pot and cook for 5 minutes.
- Return the beef to the pot and add the beef broth.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, partially covered, for 1 hour.
- Add the potatoes to the pot and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Serve the goulash hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream.
Nutrition
The traditional Hungarian goulash recipe makes 6 servings. The nutrition information per serving is as follows:- Calories: 457
- Protein: 37g
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1222mg
The History of Hungarian Goulash
Hungarian goulash has a long history that dates back to the 9th century. At that time, Hungary was inhabited by nomadic tribes who relied on meat and dairy products for their diet. The dish was originally made with beef, onions, and paprika, which were all readily available in the region. Over time, the dish evolved to include other ingredients, such as potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. The dish became popular in Hungary and other parts of Europe, and it eventually made its way to America, where it became a popular comfort food.Tips for Making the Best Hungarian Goulash
To make the best Hungarian goulash, follow these tips:- Use high-quality beef. The beef is the star of the dish, so make sure you use a good cut.
- Don't skimp on the spices. Paprika and caraway seeds are essential to the flavor of the dish.
- Cook the dish low and slow. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender.
- Serve the dish with sour cream. The tanginess of the sour cream complements the richness of the goulash.
Variations of Hungarian Goulash
There are many variations of Hungarian goulash, including:- Chicken Goulash: Made with chicken instead of beef.
- Veggie Goulash: Made with a variety of vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
- Spicy Goulash: Made with extra paprika and hot peppers for a spicy kick.
- Sweet Goulash: Made with sweet Hungarian paprika, which has a sweeter flavor than regular paprika.