Hungarian Beef Goulash
Prep Time:
25 Minutes
Cook Time:
25 Minutes
Serves:
5 Servings
Level:
Beginner
About the Recipe
This recipe is a very old, very traditional way of making Goulash that was taught by older generations of Hungarian women and it needs no embellishments. It’s simple and simply delicious!
Ingredients
3 tablespoons pork lard , or butter or bacon grease (pork lard is traditionally used and imparts a great flavor)
1 1/2 pounds yellow onions chopped
1 1/2 pounds stewing beef , cut into 1/2 inch pieces
5 cloves garlic ,minced
2 red bell peppers ,seeded/membranes removed, cut into 1/2 inch chunks
1 yellow bell pepper ,seeded/membranes removed, cut into 1/2 inch chunks
2 tomatoes ,diced
2 carrots ,diced
2 medium potatoes ,cut into 1/2 inch chunks
5 cups beef broth (traditionally just water is used but beef broth adds so much more flavor)
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed caraway seeds (optional, not traditional in all regions)
Preparation
Step 1
Melt the pork lard or butter/oil in a Dutch oven or other heavy soup pot over medium high heat and cook the onions until beginning to brown, about 7-10 minutes. Add the beef and cook until the beef is just starting to brown, 7-10 minutes.
Step 2
Add the bell peppers, tomatoes, and garlic and cook for another 6-8 minutes.
Step 3
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the paprika, salt, pepper and caraway (if using) (note: paprika becomes bitter if at all scorched).
Step 4
Add the beef broth, bay leaf, return to the stove and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, cover and simmer for 40 minutes.
Step 5
Add the carrots and potatoes. Return to a boil, reduce the heat to medium, cover, and simmer for another 30-40 minutes or until the beef is nice and tender. Add salt to taste. Remove the bay leaf.
Serve with some crusty bread and, if desired, a dollop of sour cream.