Delicious Goulash Recipes: A Culinary Journey
Goulash, a hearty and flavorful stew, is a culinary staple across Central Europe. Its rich history and variations offer a world of delicious possibilities. This post explores several goulash recipes, catering to different tastes and skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you'll find a recipe to satisfy your cravings for this comforting classic.
Classic Beef Goulash
This recipe represents the traditional Hungarian goulash, emphasizing rich beef flavor and a deeply savory broth.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon Hungarian hot paprika (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon marjoram
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons flour for thickening (if needed)
Instructions:
- Sear the beef: Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Set the browned beef aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, sweet paprika, hot paprika, caraway seeds, and marjoram. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato paste. Add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender.
- Thicken (optional): If you prefer a thicker goulash, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of flour with a bit of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the goulash during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve hot with dumplings, egg noodles, or crusty bread.
Quick & Easy Goulash
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, sacrificing a little on simmer time for speed without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb stew beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the beef in a large pot or skillet.
- Add the onion, onion soup mix, diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the beef is tender. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve over your favorite starch.
Vegetarian Goulash
A delicious alternative for vegetarians, this recipe uses hearty vegetables to mimic the texture and depth of a traditional goulash.
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon marjoram
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a large pot until softened.
- Add the bell pepper, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, vegetable broth, paprika, caraway seeds, and marjoram.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with your favorite sides.
Remember to adjust the spice levels in any of these recipes to suit your preferences. Experiment with different vegetables and herbs to create your own unique goulash masterpiece! Enjoy!
