Authentic Hungarian Goulash

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Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Ingredients:

  • 2.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Hungarian sweet paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
  • Sourdough bread, for serving

Instructions:

  1. Brown the beef: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
  2. Sauté the onion: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent.
  3. Add the paprika: Sprinkle the paprika over the onions and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  4. Return the beef: Add the beef back to the pot along with the garlic, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, pepper, and caraway seeds (if using).
  5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. The longer you simmer, the better the flavor.
  6. Serve: Serve hot with a crusty sourdough bread.

Note:

  • For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of sweet and smoked paprika.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of paprika to your taste. The key is to be generous!
  • You can add other vegetables to the goulash, such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers, about 30 minutes before the end of cooking time.

Enjoy your authentic Hungarian goulash!

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