Ungarische Goulasch Suppe

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Hungarian

A hearty Hungarian goulash soup with rich paprika flavor, tender meat, and aromatic seasonings, perfect for comforting meals and gatherings that love bold, warming flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • 4 Tbsp. Hungarian paprika
  • 1 tsp. caraway seed
  • 1 tsp. marjoram
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • lemon zest from 1/2 lemon, using yellow only
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • stew meat, diced in 1/4 x 1/4 inch pieces
  • onions, diced small

Instructions

  1. Saute onions over medium-high heat in a Dutch oven until translucent, but not brown.
  2. Add stew meat and brown until almost cooked.
  3. Reduce the liquid in the pan until almost gone, being careful not to scorch.
  4. Add tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  5. Add remaining seasonings and cover with enough water to just cover the meat.
  6. Simmer for 30 minutes and adjust seasonings to taste.

Tips & Substitutions

For added depth, consider using smoked paprika instead of regular Hungarian paprika. If you prefer a thicker soup, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the simmering stage. For a vegetarian version, substitute the stew meat with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant. Browning the meat well will enhance the flavor significantly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the goulash soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad, such as Lillian'S Cranberry Salad, for a refreshing balance. Consider serving it alongside a light dessert like Jingle Bells Carrots for a complete meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ungarische Goulasch Suppe contains roughly 141 calories, with 5g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value) and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 593mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).

141 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.9g 10% DV
Total Fat 6.4g 8% DV
Carbs 20.4g 7% DV
Fiber 8g 28% DV
Sugar 2.5g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 593mg 26% DV
Potassium 368.8mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 49.3mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 6.6mg 7% DV
Calcium 157.6mg 12% DV
Iron 5.1mg 28% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal

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 this goulash soup?

Absolutely! While beef is traditional, you can also use pork, chicken, or even turkey. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, as different meats may require different cooking durations to become tender.

Is it possible to make this goulash soup in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the soup a day ahead. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in the fridge. The flavors will meld and improve overnight. Just reheat gently before serving, and adjust seasonings as needed.

What can I serve with goulash soup?

Goulash soup is hearty on its own but pairs well with side dishes like a simple green salad or crusty bread for dipping. You might also enjoy it with a side of Overnight Cucumber Pickles for a refreshing contrast.

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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