Turkey Goulash, Austrian Style
A hearty Austrian-style turkey goulash with rich paprika flavor, tender meat, and a creamy sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 to 3 1/2 lb. boneless turkey roast or boneless, skinless thigh meat ⓘ
- 4 1/2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1 1/4 tsp. salt (optional)
- 3/4 tsp. white pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. margarine or butter ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. margarine or butter ⓘ
- 5 c. onion, chopped very fine ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. chicken bouillon granules or cube ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 12 oz. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2/3 c. sour cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the turkey into large chunks if not already prepared.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons plus 2 tablespoons of margarine or butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent and fragrant.
- Mix in the paprika, salt (if using), and white pepper, stirring to coat the onions.
- Add the turkey pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
- Add the bay leaf, chicken bouillon granules or cube, and water (or prepared broth), stirring well.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes or until the turkey is tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and stir in the sour cream and sugar.
- Heat gently, do not boil after adding sour cream, until heated through.
- Serve hot, with bread or over noodles if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked paprika instead of regular. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt. Make sure to cut the turkey into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the goulash simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Turkey Goulash hot, accompanied by crusty bread or over a bed of egg noodles for a comforting meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the goulash. For a complete dinner, consider pairing it with Aunt Martha'S Arroz Con Pollo.
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 stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Goulash, Austrian Style contains roughly 375 calories, with 7g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (142% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), and calcium (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1387mg per serving (60% 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 use chicken instead of turkey for this goulash?
Absolutely! Chicken works well in this recipe. You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, and the cooking time will be similar. This allows for a delicious variation while keeping the essence of the dish intact.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use coconut cream or a dairy-free sour cream alternative. Greek yogurt is another great substitute that will provide creaminess with a slight tang, making it a perfect fit for this goulash.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, you can incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions. For a more robust flavor, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce before simmering.
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).