Hearty Vegetarian Goulash Recipe: A Soulful Twist on a Classic

Crafting a hearty vegetarian goulash brings comfort to your kitchen with surprising depth and richness.

Hungarian culinary traditions inspire this plant-based twist on a classic stew.

Paprika and robust vegetables create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Mushrooms and lentils provide substantial protein, mimicking traditional meat textures beautifully.

Slow-simmered ingredients meld together, developing complex layers of taste that warm you from within.

Fragrant spices and tender vegetables promise a delightful meal that satisfies even the most discerning appetite.

One spoonful will transport you to cozy European kitchens, celebrating vegetarian cooking with incredible soul and authenticity.

Why Delia Smith Vegetarian Goulash Is Worth Trying

• Simplify Cooking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this vegetarian goulash a breeze to prepare, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein-rich tempeh, vibrant vegetables, and hearty macaroni, this dish delivers a balanced, wholesome meal in one pot.
• Quick Comfort: Ready in under 30 minutes, this goulash provides a warm, satisfying dinner solution for busy weeknights or last-minute meal planning.
• Versatile Meal: Easily customizable with optional toppings and adaptable for different dietary preferences, making it a crowd-pleasing option for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredient List For Delia Smith Vegetarian Goulash

• Tempeh: A hearty, protein-packed soy product that provides a meaty texture for this vegetarian dish.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: These aromatic vegetables create a flavorful base and add depth to the goulash.
• Garlic: A classic flavor enhancer that brings warmth and complexity to the recipe.
• Tomatoes: Provide a rich, tangy sauce that is essential to the traditional goulash flavor profile.

• Macaroni: A classic pasta that adds substance and helps make the dish more filling.
• Broth: Adds moisture and additional savory flavor to the goulash.
• Bay Leaf: Contributes a subtle herbal note that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Oil: Used for sautéing and creating a smooth cooking surface.
• Seasonings: Provide additional layers of flavor and traditional goulash seasoning.

Steps To Make Delia Smith Vegetarian Goulash

Step 1: Sizzle Tempeh and Veggies

• Chopped onions
• Diced bell peppers

Sauté everything until the edges turn golden brown and vegetables start to soften, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Stir quickly to prevent burning and let the spices release their fragrant essence for about one minute.

Step 3: Build the Savory Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Vegetable broth
• Bay leaf

Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer gently, allowing flavors to meld together for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add uncooked macaroni directly into the simmering sauce. Cover the skillet partially with a lid and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Final Flourish and Serve

Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot in deep bowls. Optional toppings like chopped parsley, vegan sour cream, or nutritional yeast can elevate the dish.

Tips That Help With Delia Smith Vegetarian Goulash

• Boost Tempeh Flavor: Marinate tempeh in soy sauce or vegetable broth before cooking to enhance its taste and texture.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust paprika and red pepper flakes to match your preferred heat intensity.
• Perfect Pasta Timing: Add macaroni later in the cooking process to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal al dente texture.
• Thicken Sauce Naturally: Use cornstarch or mashed potato to create a richer, more hearty goulash consistency.
• Enhance Vegetable Depth: Roast onions and peppers beforehand to develop deeper, caramelized flavors in the dish.

Creative Takes On Delia Smith Vegetarian Goulash

• Protein Swap Goulash: Replace tempeh with seitan, jackfruit, or crumbled tofu for different textures and protein sources.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free macaroni and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Mediterranean Inspired Goulash: Incorporate kalamata olives, swap bay leaf for oregano, and add fresh parsley for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute macaroni with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich, hearty essence of the original recipe.

Great Pairings With Delia Smith Vegetarian Goulash

• Pair Zesty Hungarian Wines: Select a crisp Tokaji white wine or a medium-bodied red Egri Bikavér to complement the hearty vegetarian goulash, matching its robust tomato and spice profile.
• Create Crusty Bread Companion: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or caraway-seed bread to soak up the rich sauce and provide delightful textural contrast to the soft macaroni and tempeh.
• Elevate with Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill on top to add brightness, cut through the dish's richness, and introduce a clean, vibrant flavor that lifts the entire meal.

How To Store Delia Smith Vegetarian Goulash Properly

• Store leftover goulash in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled goulash to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of vegetable broth to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot.
• Pour goulash into saucepan. Add small amount of broth or water. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Heat until thoroughly warm and bubbling.

FAQs For Delia Smith Vegetarian Goulash

• What is tempeh and why use it in goulash?

Tempeh is a traditional Indonesian soy product made from fermented soybeans. It’s a protein-rich, firm ingredient that absorbs flavors well and provides a meat-like texture perfect for vegetarian dishes.

• Can I substitute tempeh with another ingredient?

Yes, you can use seitan, tofu, or mushrooms as alternatives. Each will provide a different texture and flavor profile but still work well in the goulash.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free macaroni and ensure your tempeh and broth are certified gluten-free.

Vegetarian Goulash Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 26 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Hungarian “vegetarian goulash” brings robust flavor and comforting warmth to your dinner table. Rich paprika-spiced vegetables simmer slowly, delivering deep Mediterranean-inspired goodness you’ll savor with each satisfying spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) tempeh

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion
• 1 red bell pepper
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 bay leaf

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 x 15 ounces (425 grams) can tomato sauce
• 1 x 14.5 ounces (411 grams) can petite diced tomatoes
• 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth

Pasta:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni

Optional Toppings:

• Parmesan
• Fresh basil

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Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté tempeh, onions, and bell peppers until golden brown and slightly caramelized, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic and spice blend, stirring continuously to prevent burning and allow aromatics to release their flavors, about 45-60 seconds.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and carefully nestle bay leaf into the mixture, reducing heat to low and allowing ingredients to gently simmer and meld together for 10-12 minutes.
4. Gradually incorporate macaroni, ensuring pasta is partially submerged in liquid, then cover skillet with a slightly askew lid to allow steam escape, continuing to simmer for 9-11 minutes until pasta reaches al dente texture.
5. Extract bay leaf, taste the goulash, and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed, then transfer to serving dishes and garnish with optional fresh herbs or vegan cheese crumbles for enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Swap tempeh for other plant-based proteins like seitan or firm tofu for variety in texture and flavor.
• Use gluten-free macaroni to make this dish celiac-friendly and accommodate different dietary needs.
• Toast seasonings briefly before adding liquids to intensify their aromatic profile and deepen the goulash’s overall taste complexity.
• Experiment with smoked paprika instead of regular paprika to introduce a subtle smoky undertone that complements the vegetarian base.

• Prep Time: 0 minutes
• Cook Time: 26 mins
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 383 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 830 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg