5 Delicious Golash Recipes You Must Try

Goulash, a hearty and flavorful dish with roots in Hungarian cuisine, has evolved over centuries into various delightful recipes enjoyed across Europe and beyond. Today, we're delving into five mouthwatering goulash recipes that will transport your taste buds to new culinary heights. Whether you're a fan of the classic Hungarian stew or looking to experiment with unique variations, this post is a treasure trove for goulash lovers.

Traditional Hungarian Goulash

The essence of goulash is found in this timeless recipe:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-3 hours
• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp paprika (use Hungarian sweet paprika for authenticity)
  • 1 tsp caraway seeds
  • 2 large tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 red bell peppers, sliced
  • 1-2 hot peppers (optional)
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Steps:
  1. Heat some oil in a large pot. Add onions, cooking until translucent.
  2. Introduce beef cubes, browning them thoroughly on all sides.
  3. Add garlic, paprika, and caraway seeds, stirring to coat the meat evenly.
  4. Pour in the tomatoes, bell peppers, and hot peppers if using. Cook for 5-10 minutes.
  5. Add the beef stock, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook slowly for 2-3 hours.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

💡 Note: Authentic Hungarian goulash isn't overly spicy, but for those who prefer heat, the addition of hot peppers can transform the dish!

German Goulash with Spätzle

German goulash differs by incorporating more vegetables and serving it with their iconic egg noodles, spätzle:

• Ingredients:
  • 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup of dry red wine
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp marjoram
  • Salt, pepper, and a dash of sugar
  • Spätzle for serving
• Steps:
  1. Begin by browning the beef in batches, then set aside.
  2. In the same pot, cook the onions until soft, then add garlic, tomato paste, and spices.
  3. Add the wine to deglaze the pan, then the stock, bringing it to a simmer.
  4. Return the beef to the pot along with carrots and celery. Simmer for 2 hours.
  5. Prepare the spätzle according to package instructions or make from scratch.
  6. Serve the goulash over spätzle, and if you like, sprinkle with parsley for freshness.

💡 Note: A splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end can balance the flavors, giving the goulash a well-rounded taste.

Austrian Beef Goulash with Dumplings

Austrian goulash often includes dumplings for a more filling experience:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs beef shoulder, cubed
  • 3 large onions, chopped
  • 3 tbsp lard or oil
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp caraway seeds
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For Dumplings: Flour, egg, milk, nutmeg, salt
• Steps:
  1. In a Dutch oven, melt the lard, add onions, and cook until nicely browned.
  2. Toss the beef with flour, brown in the pot, and season with paprika, caraway, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add vinegar to deglaze the pot, then pour in the broth.
  4. Simmer for about 2 hours. Prepare the dumpling dough:
  • Mix flour, egg, milk, nutmeg, and salt to form a soft dough. Drop spoonfuls into the simmering goulash.
  5. Simmer for another 15 minutes or until dumplings are cooked through.

💡 Note: Cooking the onions until they are deeply caramelized is key for the authentic Austrian taste.

Czech Beer Goulash

Unique for its beer component, this recipe gives goulash a Bohemian flair:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs beef, cubed
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp caraway seeds
  • 1 cup dark beer (such as Pilsner Urquell or Budvar)
  • 1 cup beef stock
  • Salt, pepper, and sugar
• Steps:
  1. Heat oil, brown onions, add beef, and cook until browned.
  2. Stir in both paprikas, caraway seeds, and tomato paste, cooking briefly.
  3. Pour in the beer and stock, bring to a simmer, and cook for about 2 hours.
  4. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar for balance.

💡 Note: Using a dark beer adds depth and complexity; however, lighter beers can also be used for a different flavor profile.

Vegan Root Vegetable Goulash

For those seeking plant-based options, this root vegetable goulash is both delicious and comforting:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • 1 sweet potato, cubed
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 parsnips, cubed
  • 1 turnip or rutabaga, cubed
  • 2 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp caraway seeds
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
• Steps:
  1. Heat oil in a pot, cook onions and garlic until fragrant.
  2. Add paprika and cook briefly, then add root vegetables.
  3. Pour in stock and tomatoes, and add caraway seeds. Simmer until vegetables are tender.
  4. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley before serving.

💡 Note: This vegan goulash recipe can be paired with mashed potatoes or served over polenta for added satisfaction.

The journey through these goulash recipes shows how this humble dish can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. From the classic Hungarian goulash with its rich beef and paprika flavors to the hearty German version with spätzle, each recipe holds its unique charm. Austrian goulash introduces comforting dumplings, the Czech version adds a beer twist, and the vegan option brings a wholesome, plant-based variant into the fold. Goulash, in its many forms, is not just food; it's a culinary story that connects cultures across the globe.

Can goulash be made in a slow cooker?

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Absolutely! Goulash is perfect for slow cooking, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender. Just ensure to brown the meat first for the best flavor before transferring to the slow cooker.

What type of paprika should I use for traditional goulash?

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For authenticity, use Hungarian sweet paprika. It provides a vibrant red color and a mild, sweet flavor crucial to traditional goulash.

Is it possible to freeze goulash?

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Yes, goulash freezes well. Cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to three months. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the meat.