Hungarian Veal Goulash

Prep: 15 min Cook: 70 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Hungarian

Hungarian Veal Goulash offers tender veal simmered in rich paprika-infused broth with aromatic spices, perfect for hearty, comforting meals suited to family dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 lb. boneless veal, cut in 1-inch cubes
  • 4 Tbsp. salad oil
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 tsp. Hungarian paprika
  • 3 Tbsp. flour
  • 1/8 tsp. caraway seed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp. parsley
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup tomato puree
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Saute veal in hot oil until browned.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook for 5 to 10 minutes until almost all oil is gone.
  3. Stir in Hungarian paprika, then add flour and cook for 5 minutes, blending well.
  4. Place caraway seed, bay leaf, and parsley in cheesecloth and add to the pot with beef broth and tomato puree.
  5. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 1 hour or until the veal is tender.
  6. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Discard the seasoning bag.
  8. Optional: Add half a cup of sour cream just before serving.
  9. Serve hot over noodles.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider marinating the veal in a mix of the paprika and some beef broth for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have caraway seeds, cumin can be used as a substitute. You can also thicken the goulash with a cornstarch slurry instead of flour for a gluten-free option. For a twist, add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms during the onion cooking stage.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the goulash over wide egg noodles or spaetzle for a traditional pairing. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables alongside. This dish pairs beautifully with Holubki (Pigs In Blanket) Or Stuffed Peppers to create a hearty Eastern European feast.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of beef broth if it thickens too much. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Hungarian Veal Goulash contains roughly 1319 calories, with 80g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (338% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 991mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).

1319 kcal 66% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 79.7g 100% DV
Total Fat 71.5g 92% DV
Carbs 156.9g 57% DV
Fiber 94.6g 100% DV
Sugar 20.5g 41% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 991.5mg 43% DV
Potassium 5000mg 100% DV
Cholesterol 119.2mg 40% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3000mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 32.9mg 37% DV
Calcium 1103.6mg 85% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat for goulash?

Yes, you can substitute beef or even pork for veal in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary; beef may require a bit longer to become tender. Ground meat can also work but will change the texture of the dish.

What should I serve with Hungarian Veal Goulash?

Traditionally, goulash is served with egg noodles or dumplings. You can also serve it with rice or mashed potatoes. A side of pickles or a tangy salad can complement the flavors well.

Can I make this goulash ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day in advance and simply reheat it when ready to serve. Just remember to store it properly in the fridge.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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