Grandmas Hungarian Goulash a Truly Authentic Gulyás

- Recipe Introduction
- The Heart of Hungarian Cuisine: Grandma's Authentic Gulyás
- The Gulyás Goods: What You'll Need
- Let's Get Cooking! Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Gulyás
- Grandma's Hungarian Gulyás: A Truly Authentic Gulyás
- Recipe Notes for the Best Gulyás EVER
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever crave a dish that warms you from the inside out? This traditional gulyas recipe is exactly that! Imagine sinking your spoon into a bowl of rich, smoky, and utterly comforting beef stew.
Brief Overview
Gulyás isn't just stew; it’s a symbol of Hungarian heritage. Born from the simple meals of shepherds, it's evolved into a national treasure.
This traditional gulyas recipe is achievable by most home cooks. It takes about 3-3. 5 hours to make and feeds 6-8 people.
Main Benefits
This traditional gulyas recipe is packed with protein and hearty vegetables. It makes the perfect dish for a chilly autumn evening, or any time you want to impress your mates.
This recipe uses authentic Hungarian paprika, which gives it that extra special oomph. Let's dive in to some Goulash Recipes .
The Heart of Hungarian Cuisine: Grandma's Authentic Gulyás
Alright, let's get this show on the road! Have you ever stumbled upon a dish so comforting, it feels like a warm hug? Well, buckle up because my Grandma's traditional gulyas recipe is exactly that.
And forget those thin, watery excuses for Goulash Recipes you might have tried; this is the real deal, folks. Jó étvágyat!
This isn't just about following steps. It’s about honouring tradition. Each spoonful tells a story of Traditional Hungarian Cuisine . We are taking a trip to the heart of Hungarian Recipes .
This traditional gulyas recipe has a difficulty level of medium. This recipe, you're not just cooking; you're crafting a culinary experience, one pot of soul soothing Hungarian Comfort Food Recipe at a time.
The Gulyás Goods: What You'll Need
Alright, let's whip up a list of that would make even Mary Berry proud! We're aiming for that "Great British Bake Off" level of detail and relevance, so here we go:
For the Gulyás, you will need:
- 2 lbs beef chuck
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 large yellow onions
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika
- 1 tbsp Hungarian hot paprika
- 1 tbsp caraway seeds
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 large green bell pepper
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 1.5 lbs potatoes
- 1 lb carrots
- 1 tbsp marjoram
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley
Optional extras:
- Sour cream
- Csipetke noodles
Let's Get Cooking! Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Gulyás
Alright, let's whip up a list of what we need for our traditional gulyas recipe . Don't worry, it's not too complicated.
This ain't rocket science, even if it tastes out of this world! We're aiming for that Authentic Hungarian Goulash level of detail!
Main Ingredients Breakdown
These are all the things that we will need, so we can get stuck in on this delicious Hungarian Comfort Food Recipe .
- Beef: 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cubed. Look for good marbling! That's the key to super tender beef.
- Oil: 2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable oil. Any cooking oil will do, really.
- Onions: 2 large yellow onions, chopped. About 400g.
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Around 12g. Fresh is best, you know?
- Paprika: 2 tbsp (30ml) sweet Hungarian paprika. Gotta have the real deal! 1 tbsp (15ml) hot Hungarian paprika. Or chili powder if you like it spicy.
- Caraway Seeds: 1 tbsp (15ml), ground.
- Tomato Paste: 1 tbsp (15ml).
- Beef Broth: 8 cups (2 liters). Low sodium is good.
- Bell Peppers: 1 large green and 1 large red, chopped (approx. 200g each)
- Potatoes: 1.5 lbs (680g), cubed.
- Carrots: 1 lb (450g), sliced.
- Marjoram: 1 tbsp (15ml), dried.
- Bay Leaf: 1 .
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper. To taste, of course.
- Garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped. For a bit of green.
Seasoning Secrets
Let's dive into those spices that make this Hearty Beef Stew Recipes sing! Paprika is King. It is a Hungarian Paprika Stew , after all!
Essential spice combinations . Sweet paprika is a must. Hot paprika gives it a kick. Caraway seeds add earthiness.
- Flavor enhancers and aromatics . Don't skip the tomato paste! It adds depth.
- Quick substitution options . Chili powder for hot paprika is fine in a pinch.
Equipment: Keep It Simple
You don't need fancy gadgets for this Goulash Recipes . Just the basics.
- Dutch oven . Or any big, heavy pot. This is essential.
- Cutting board .
- Chef's knife .
- Wooden spoon .
Grandma's Hungarian Gulyás: A Truly Authentic Gulyás
This traditional gulyas recipe honours the rich culinary heritage of Hungary. This stew is simmered in a paprika rich broth with tender chunks of beef, potatoes, and carrots.
It's a comforting dish that embodies the heart and soul of traditional Hungarian cuisine . Forget those watery imitations. This is the real deal.
Perfect for a cold winter evening or a hearty Sunday supper. Jó étvágyat ! It is so simple, that is Hungarian Comfort Food Recipe , that even you can do it.
Prep Steps Getting Your Ducks in a Row
Alright, let's get organised! The secret to nailing any dish, especially one as hearty as authentic Hungarian goulash , is mise en place .
Basically, get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. It is an Essential mise en place .
Roughly chop 2 large yellow onions. Mince 4 cloves of garlic. Cube about 1.5 lbs of potatoes, and slice 1 lb of carrots.
Cut 2 lbs of beef chuck into one-inch cubes. Having all your ingredients prepped really is a time saving organization tip ! Plus, it stops you from frantically searching for paprika when the onions are burning.
Safety reminder : Always use a sharp knife and watch your fingers.
step-by-step: From Humble Beginnings to Hearty Delight
- Sear the Beef: Pat your beef dry. Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in your Dutch oven over medium high heat. Sear the beef in batches. Don't overcrowd the pot. Remove and set aside. You want a deep, even browning. This is key to developing flavour.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add your onions to the pot. Cook until softened and translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. This should take about 30 seconds.
- Bloom the Paprika: Take the pot off the heat. Stir in 2 tbsp sweet paprika, 1 tbsp hot paprika, 1 tbsp ground caraway seeds, and 1 tbsp tomato paste. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the paprika. It will become bitter.
- Build the Broth: Pour in 8 cups of beef broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. They’re flavour bombs!
- Return the Beef: Put the seared beef back into the pot. Add 1 bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer (Long and Slow): Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 to 2. 5 hours . The beef should be very tender. Keep and eye on it and add more broth if it needs it.
- Add Vegetables: Add the 200g of both bell peppers, 680g potatoes and 450g carrots. Stir well.
- Continue Simmering: Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30- 45 minutes , or until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the marjoram and the Csipetke, if using.
- Season and Serve: Now, remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Gulyás
Want that extra oomph? Use good quality Hungarian paprika. Trust me, it makes a difference. Sear the beef properly for a rich flavour.
Don't rush it! A common mistake is not browning it enough. To easily fix it, you can beef goulash recipe slow cooker options.
For a great and Austrian Goulash Soup variation add a bit of marjoram, it elevates the dish. You can make this hearty beef stew recipes a day ahead.
The flavours actually deepen overnight!
Recipe Notes for the Best Gulyás EVER
Alright, so you're about to embark on making this traditional gulyas recipe , eh? Honestly, it's easier than you think, but a few pointers can make it legendary.
This ain't your nan's watery soup, this is a proper, hearty, authentic Hungarian goulash .
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Think rustic! Ladle that gorgeous, steaming Gulyás into a bowl. A swirl of sour cream or crème fraîche looks fancy, doesn't it? Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
For sides, crusty bread is essential for soaking up that delicious broth, perfect for those cosy nights in!. Hungarian comfort food recipe is all about feeling at home!
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Leftovers? Oh my gosh, they're even better the next day!
Refrigeration: Store the cooled Gulyás in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days .
Freezing: Absolutely! It freezes brilliantly. Pop it into freezer safe containers or bags for up to 3 months .
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of beef broth if it's thickened too much.
Variations: Your Gulyás, Your Rules
Dietary Tweaks: Want a veggie version? Swap the beef for hearty mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add smoked paprika for a little depth, too!.
And for a beef goulash recipe slow cooker , use your favorite one!
Seasonal Swaps: Bell peppers not in season? Don't fret! Use other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes. They'll add a lovely sweetness.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Let's break it down, this Gulyás is packed with protein, thanks to the beef. You are getting a good dose of vitamins and fiber from the vegetables.
Each serving hovers around 450-550 calories , with about 40-45g of protein . Remember, this is an estimate, depending on what exactly goes in!.
So this Hungarian Paprika Stew is not only delicious but also pretty good for you!
So, there you have it. With these tips, you are on your way to creating a Gulyás that's as comforting as it is delicious.
Don't be scared to experiment and make it your own! You got this, Chef!.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is traditional gulyas, and how is it different from regular stew?
That's a great question! Think of gulyás as more than just a stew; it's practically a national treasure in Hungary! The main difference is the heavy use of Hungarian paprika, both sweet and sometimes hot, and caraway seed.
Traditional gulyas is slow cooked, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully into a rich, smoky broth, whereas a basic stew might use a wider range of vegetables and herbs.
Can I make traditional gulyas recipe ahead of time, and how long does it keep?
Absolutely, Gulyás is often even better the next day! The flavors deepen and intensify as it sits. Store any leftover gulyás in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen it up.
I don't have Hungarian paprika; can I use regular paprika?
While you can use regular paprika in a pinch, you won't get the same authentic flavor profile. Hungarian paprika is specifically cultivated for its unique sweetness, depth, and vibrant color. If possible, try to find Hungarian sweet paprika online or at a specialty spice shop.
It's like using Cheddar versus a processed cheese slice on your burger - technically cheese, but not the same experience!
My gulyás turned out a bit bland. What did I do wrong?
Oh dear, nobody wants a bland Gulyás! The most likely culprit is not using enough paprika, or using paprika that has lost its potency. Another common mistake is not searing the beef properly that deep browning is crucial for building flavour.
Make sure you're using fresh, good quality Hungarian paprika, and don't be afraid to season generously with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process. Also, consider adding a little more tomato paste.
What kind of beef is best for a traditional gulyas recipe?
For a truly authentic and tender Gulyás, go for beef chuck (or braising steak in the UK). This cut has plenty of marbling, which renders down during the long cooking time, resulting in incredibly flavorful and melt-in-your mouth beef. Avoid lean cuts, as they will become tough and dry.
Think of it like picking the right tea for your afternoon brew - the base matters!
Can I freeze traditional gulyas recipe for later?
Yes, Gulyás freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave some headspace as the liquid will expand when frozen. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Like batch cooking a lasagne, freezing Gulyás is a great way to have a comforting meal ready when you're short on time!
Grandmas Hungarian Goulash A Truly Authentic Gul

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |