Hungarian cuisine is renowned for its hearty and flavorful dishes, and one of its most iconic creations is Budapest Goulash. This beloved comfort food combines tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a symphony of spices to create a bowl of pure culinary delight. In this recipe, we'll take you on a journey to the heart of Hungary as we recreate the rich and soul-warming flavors of traditional Budapest Goulash.
Ingredients:Note: This recipe serves 4-6.
2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes
2 large onions, finely chopped
2 red bell peppers, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tomatoes, diced
2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
1 teaspoon marjoram
1 teaspoon thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cups beef broth
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup carrots, diced
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by cutting the beef chuck into bite-sized cubes and seasoning them with salt and pepper.
Chop the onions, dice the red bell peppers, mince the garlic, and dice the tomatoes. Keep them all separately.
2. Sear the Beef:
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
Working in batches, sear the beef cubes until they're browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent and start to brown slightly.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the Vegetables and Spices:
Sprinkle the Hungarian sweet paprika over the onions and garlic. Stir well to coat the aromatics.
Add the diced red bell peppers and tomatoes to the pot. Stir and let them cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
5. Return the Beef:
Place the seared beef back into the pot with the vegetables and give everything a good mix.
6. Create the Flavor Base:
Add the caraway seeds, marjoram, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. These spices will infuse the goulash with its distinctive Hungarian flavors.
7. Pour in the Broth:
Pour in the beef broth to cover the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
8. Simmer and Cook:
Cover the pot and let the goulash simmer over low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
9. Add Potatoes and Carrots:
Stir in the diced potatoes and carrots, and continue to simmer until they're cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
10. Final Touches:
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Discard the bay leaf.
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the goulash just before serving.
Serving: Budapest Goulash is traditionally served with a dollop of sour cream on top and accompanied by crusty bread or Hungarian dumplings. It's the ultimate comfort food that warms both body and soul.
Enjoy!
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