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Traditional Hungarian Goulash

Traditional Hungarian Goulash: Comfort in Every Spoonful

Traditional Hungarian Goulash is a comforting stew brimming with tender beef and sweet paprika, making it perfect for cold evenings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Hungarian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Stew
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Enhances flavor and aids in searing beef
  • 2.5 lbs Stewing Beef Chuck roast or brisket, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust according to taste
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Taste and modify to preference
  • 2 large Onions Roughly chopped
  • 5 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 3 tbsp Sweet Hungarian Paprika Essential for authenticity
  • 1 tsp Ground Caraway Seeds Earthy flavor; fennel seeds can be an alternative
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano Enhances the stew’s character
  • 3 Bay Leaves Remove before serving
  • 1 tsp Brown Sugar Optional, balances acidity
  • 0.5 cup Tomato Sauce Adds thickness and tang
  • 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar Can be swapped with red wine vinegar
  • 4 cups No-Salt-Added Beef Broth Rich base for flavor
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley Chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over high heat. Add the stewing beef in batches and sear until browned on all sides, approximately 4–5 minutes per side.
  2. Reduce heat to medium-high and add the roughly chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until onions become translucent.
  3. Lower heat to medium-low, stir in sweet Hungarian paprika, ground caraway seeds, dried oregano, and bay leaves. Cook for about 30 seconds.
  4. Pour in the tomato sauce and balsamic vinegar, stirring well. Add the beef broth, scraping the bottom to deglaze.
  5. Return the seared beef to the pot, bring to a boil, cover, and let simmer for about 2 hours.
  6. Once beef is tender, adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Remove bay leaves, ladle into bowls, and garnish with chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Enjoy with crusty bread or over noodles for a satisfying meal.

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