Real Hungarian Goulash
A hearty and flavorful Hungarian goulash featuring tender beef, paprika, and vegetables, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for slow cooking or stovetop preparation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix salt, pepper, a small amount of flour, and paprika in a bowl.
- Dredge the beef pieces in the spice mixture, shaking off excess flour.
- Saute the beef in hot bacon fat until lightly browned.
- Add chopped green onion, minced garlic, and chopped green pepper to the skillet.
- Stir and cook until the onion glazes and vegetables soften.
- Add canned tomatoes, chopped parsley, and water.
- Cover and simmer slowly for 2 hours.
- Cook noodles or spaghetti separately.
- Add the cooked noodles to the meat mixture 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider using beef chuck instead of shoulder beef. If you can't find Hungarian paprika, sweet paprika can be a decent substitute, though it lacks the distinctive flavor. Don't rush the browning process; it adds depth to the goulash. Also, feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or potatoes for added texture, similar to what you might find in a Quebec Meat Pie.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the goulash hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley for a fresh touch. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Eva'S Chopped Liver Appetizer as a first course. A glass of red wine also complements the rich flavors of the goulash.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the goulash on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems too thick. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Real Hungarian Goulash contains roughly 422 calories, with 14g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (159% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (82% of the Daily Value), and iron (70% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 884mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
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 make this goulash in advance?
Yes, Hungarian goulash tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day ahead and simply reheat it when ready to serve.
What can I substitute for bacon fat?
If you don't have bacon fat, you can use vegetable oil or butter. However, using oil may result in a slightly different flavor. Bacon fat adds a rich, smoky taste that's characteristic of this dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by substituting the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant, and using vegetable broth instead of water. Keep the spices for the same robust flavor.
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).