Hungarian Gulyásleves: Authentic Goulash Soup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500g of beef shin or shoulder, or any tender part of the beef cut into 2cm cubes
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, crushed or finely chopped
  • 2 bell peppers, deseeded and chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into dice
  • 1 tablespoon Hungarian sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1.5 litres of beef stock or water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the onions, garlic, peppers, and saute until the onions become transparent and the peppers soften.
  3. Add the beef to the pot and cook until it turns brown on all sides.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and add the paprika, caraway seeds, and bay leaf. Stir well to coat the beef and vegetables in the spices.
  5. Add the tomatoes to the pot and stir.
  6. Add the beef stock or water, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil.
  7. Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 60 minutes.
  8. Add the potatoes to the soup and simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  9. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, and discard the bay leaf before serving.
  10. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Variation: Replace the beef with mushrooms or extra vegetables like carrots, celery, and zucchini.
  • Chicken Gulyás: Substitute the beef with chicken thighs or breast.
  • Lamb Gulyás: Use lamb instead of beef for a rich and hearty flavor.
  • Spicy Gulyás: Add chili peppers or hot paprika to give the soup some heat.
  • Smoked Gulyás: Use smoked paprika or smoked meat like sausage for a smoky flavor.
  • Bean Gulyás: Add beans such as kidney beans or pinto beans for a protein-packed twist.
  • Slow Cooker Gulyás: Cook the soup in a slow cooker for several hours on low heat for a tender and flavorful result.
  • Gluten-Free Gulyás: Use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup if desired.
  • Vegan Gulyás: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock.
  • Herb-infused Gulyás: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or marjoram to enhance the flavor.

Recipe overview

Gulyásleves, or Hungarian Goulash Soup, is a hearty and warming dish that's perfect for cold weather. This traditional recipe is full of flavorful beef, colorful vegetables, and aromatic spices, all simmered together to create a savory, comforting broth. You'll find this dish easy to prepare, yet impressively delicious, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Expect a rich, meaty soup with a hint of sweetness from the paprika and a satisfying depth from the caraway seeds and bay leaf. Serve it piping hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and enjoy a taste of Hungary right in your own kitchen.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
    Yes, you can use beef shin, shoulder, or any tender part of the beef for this recipe.
  2. Can I use vegetable stock instead of beef stock?
    Yes, you can use vegetable stock as a substitute for beef stock if you prefer a vegetarian version of the dish.
  3. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
    Absolutely! Gulyásleves is a versatile dish, and you can add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or parsnips to enhance the flavor and texture.
  4. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
    Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté the onions, garlic, and peppers in a pan, then transfer them along with the browned beef, spices, tomatoes, potatoes, and beef stock to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
  5. Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
    If you prefer a spicier version, you can add some hot Hungarian paprika or chili flakes to the soup. Adjust the amount according to your taste.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot or dutch oven - A large pot or dutch oven is essential for cooking the soup and allowing enough space for all the ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon - A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the ingredients in the pot without scratching the surface.
  • Sharp knife - A sharp knife is needed for cutting the beef, onions, peppers, and tomatoes into the desired size.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing the ingredients.
  • Peeler - A peeler is helpful for easily peeling the potatoes and ensuring a smooth texture.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are necessary for accurately measuring the spices.
  • Soup ladle - A soup ladle is useful for serving the soup into bowls.
  • Soup bowls - Soup bowls are needed for serving the gulyásleves.
  • Optional: Fresh parsley garnish - If desired, a pair of kitchen scissors can be used to chop fresh parsley for garnishing the soup.

Origin stories

Gulyásleves, or Hungarian Goulash Soup, has a deeply established place in Hungarian culture. Its origins date back to the 9th century, where Magyar herdsmen would dry meat in the sun and pack it into bags produced from sheep's stomachs, creating portable food that could be rehydrated with water over a fire. This simple, hearty soup was perfect for their nomadic lifestyle. As these herdsmen travelled across the continent, the once humble dish was introduced to different cultures and evolved, with each region adding their unique touch. However, it was not until the 16th century that paprika, the spice that Hungarian cuisine is renowned for, was introduced to the country and the goulash we know today began to take shape. Today, gulyásleves remains a beloved national dish, its warming, hearty nature making it a favourite in Hungary's chilly winters. Its timeless appeal is a testament to its origins as a dish designed to sustain and bring warmth, served up in the austere conditions of Hungary's pastoral past.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.