Savory Hungarian Goulash Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Classic

Warming bowls of hungarian goulash bring comfort like a hearty embrace on chilly evenings.

Tender beef chunks simmer alongside robust vegetables in a rich, paprika-infused broth.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic Central European dish through careful technique and love.

Paprika plays a starring role, lending deep crimson color and smoky complexity to every spoonful.

Robust flavors meld together, creating a soul-satisfying meal that speaks directly to hunger and heart.

Rustic and authentic, this recipe connects you to traditional Hungarian culinary heritage.

Each bite promises a delicious journey through authentic countryside cooking that will transport you instantly to Budapest.

Why Delia Smith Hungarian Goulash Is Rich And Comforting

• Craft Classic Comfort: A hearty Hungarian goulash brings warmth and traditional flavors that transport you straight to a cozy European kitchen.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: This recipe teaches fundamental skills like browning meat, sautéing onions, and slow-cooking, perfect for developing culinary confidence.
• Family-Friendly Meal Solution: The one-pot method means minimal cleanup, rich taste that appeals to all ages, and a satisfying dish everyone will enjoy together.
• Adaptable Dinner Option: Easily customize with different vegetables or serve over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes to suit various preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients For Delia Smith Hungarian Goulash

• Beef: A hearty and tender meat that forms the rich foundation of the traditional Hungarian goulash.

• Onions, Garlic: These ingredients provide a deep, savory base that adds complexity to the dish.
• Paprika: A quintessential Hungarian spice that gives the goulash its signature warm, slightly sweet flavor and vibrant red color.

• Flour: Helps to thicken the sauce and create a smooth, rich texture.
• Tomatoes: Adds a tangy sweetness and helps create a luscious sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Sour Cream: Provides a creamy, tangy finish that balances the rich meat and spices.
• Bell Pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet vegetable element to the goulash.

How To Prepare Delia Smith Hungarian Goulash

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Space

Set your oven to a cozy 140 degrees Celsius (285 degrees Fahrenheit) to prepare for a delicious Hungarian comfort meal.

Step 2: Sear The Hearty Beef

Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed flameproof casserole dish. Brown beef pieces in batches, creating a rich golden crust. Remove and set aside temporarily.

Step 3: Caramelize Sweet Onions

In the same pot where you seared the beef, gently cook onions until they turn soft and golden, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 4: Reunite The Beef And Build Flavor

• Flour
• Paprika

Stir everything together to create a delicious base.

Step 5: Create The Savory Liquid Foundation

• Tomatoes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Slow Bake The Goulash

Cover the casserole and place in the preheated oven. Let it bake for 2 hours, transforming tough meat into tender, melt-in-your-mouth morsels.

Step 7: Add Colorful Bell Peppers

Slice fresh bell peppers and introduce them to the goulash. Return to the oven for an additional 30 minutes, infusing more flavor and color.

Step 8: Finish With Creamy Richness

Just before serving, stir in a generous dollop of sour cream, creating a luxurious, silky texture. Serve piping hot and enjoy your authentic Hungarian feast.

Cooking Tips For Delia Smith Hungarian Goulash

• Choose Quality Beef: Select well-marbled chuck or shin cuts for tender, flavorful goulash that melts in your mouth.
• Master Paprika Power: Use authentic Hungarian sweet paprika for genuine rich flavor; avoid generic or stale spices.
• Control Slow Cooking: Keep oven temperature low and consistent to break down meat fibers gently, creating meltingly soft texture.
• Balance Sour Cream Technique: Add sour cream at the very end to prevent curdling and maintain smooth, creamy consistency.
• Enhance Vegetable Timing: Add bell peppers toward end of cooking to preserve their texture and bright color.

Fun Variations Of Delia Smith Hungarian Goulash

• Vegetarian Goulash: Replace beef with hearty mushrooms or lentils for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Spicy Paprika Boost: Add extra hot paprika or cayenne for a fiery kick and deeper flavor profile.
• Slow Cooker Method: Prepare ingredients in same sequence, cook on low for 6-8 hours instead of oven baking.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour to make recipe celiac-friendly.

Best Pairings With Delia Smith Hungarian Goulash

• Complement with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Hungarian red like Egri Bikavér (Bull's Blood) that matches the rich beef flavors and cuts through the hearty goulash with its deep, spicy notes.
• Pair with Crusty Bread: Select a rustic sourdough or traditional Hungarian potato bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a perfect textural contrast to the tender meat.
• Balance with Crisp Side Salad: Create a light cucumber and dill salad with a tangy vinaigrette to refresh the palate and add brightness against the dense, warming stew.
• Enhance with Creamy Potato Side: Prepare simple buttered egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes to complement the goulash's robust flavor profile and provide a smooth, comforting accompaniment.

How To Store Delia Smith Hungarian Goulash

• Store leftover Hungarian goulash in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled goulash to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.
• Pour goulash into saucepan, add splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated completely through, about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs For Delia Smith Hungarian Goulash

• What makes Hungarian Goulash different from other beef stews?

Hungarian Goulash uses sweet paprika as its signature spice, which gives the dish its distinctive rich, warm flavor and deep red color, setting it apart from typical beef stews.

• Is Hungarian Goulash traditionally a soup or a stew?

Authentic Hungarian Goulash is originally a soup, but modern international versions have evolved into a hearty stew with thick, rich consistency and tender beef chunks.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

While beef is traditional, you can substitute with pork or lamb, though beef chuck is the most authentic and recommended cut for traditional Hungarian Goulash.

Hungarian Goulash Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Warm, hearty Hungarian goulash celebrates rich beef stew traditions from Central Europe’s culinary landscape. Savory paprika-infused meat and vegetables simmer slowly, inviting you to savor authentic flavors that connect directly to Hungarian kitchen heritage.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 700 grams (1.5 pounds) beef stewing steak, cut into 4 centimeters (1.5 inches) cubes

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 large onions, sliced
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 red or green pepper
• 400 grams (14 ounces) chopped tomatoes

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 rounded tablespoon plain flour
• 1 rounded tablespoon smoked paprika
• 150 milliliters (5 fluid ounces) soured cream
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at a low temperature of 140C (285F) to ensure slow, gentle cooking of the meat.
2. In a flameproof casserole, heat oil and methodically brown beef chunks in multiple batches, creating a rich caramelized exterior; transfer browned meat to a separate plate.
3. Using the same pot with residual beef drippings, sauté onions until translucent and softened, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Reintroduce the browned beef to the pot, then incorporate minced garlic, gently dusting with flour and paprika to create a flavorful coating.
5. Introduce diced tomatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper, then gently bring the mixture to a simmering state.
6. Securely cover the casserole and transfer to the preheated oven, allowing the stew to tenderize for 2 hours.
7. Incorporate sliced bell peppers into the goulash, returning the dish to the oven for an additional 30 minutes to infuse additional flavor and soften the peppers.
8. Moments before serving, fold in creamy sour cream to add richness and brightness, then present the goulash piping hot.

Notes

• Choose a well-marbled beef cut like chuck or shin for maximum tenderness and rich flavor.
• Toast paprika briefly in the pot before adding other ingredients to enhance its deep, smoky taste.
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative suitable for health-conscious diners.
• Gluten-free adaptation: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour to maintain the sauce’s thickness without compromising texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg