How to Make Goulash: A Guide to Classic and Modified Recipes

I. Introduction

Goulash is a traditional Hungarian stew that has become a beloved comfort food all over the world. It’s a filling and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner. While the dish has been around for centuries, it remains a favorite in many households, with variations that cater to different dietary needs. In this article, we’ll discuss how to make different versions of Goulash, from the classic beefy stew to vegetarian and spicy versions.

II. Classic Hungarian Goulash Recipe

The classic beefy stew is the most well-known version of Goulash. Here are the ingredients you’ll need and the process for making it.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 cups beef broth or water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced

Cooking Process

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and add the beef stew meat. Sear the meat until browned on all sides, then remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
2. Lower the heat to medium and add the onion and garlic to the same pot. Cook until the onions are translucent and soft, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the paprika and the tomato paste to the pot and stir until combined. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
4. Return the beef to the pot and add the beef broth or water, salt, caraway seeds, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
5. Add the diced potatoes and carrots to the pot and simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through and the stew is thick and hearty.

Additional Tips for a Successful Outcome

• Use good quality paprika for the most authentic flavor.
• Cook the stew on low heat for a long time for the meat to become tender and the flavors to develop.
• You can adjust the thickness of the stew by adding more or less liquid.

III. Vegetarian Goulash Recipe

Vegetarians don’t have to miss out on the deliciousness of Goulash. This recipe replaces the meat with mushrooms or tofu to create a hearty vegetarian dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb mushrooms or 1 cup chopped tofu
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced

Cooking Process

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and add the mushrooms or tofu. Cook until browned, then remove from the pot and set aside.
2. Lower the heat to medium and add the onion and garlic. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent.
3. Add the paprika and the tomato paste to the pot and stir until combined. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
4. Return the mushrooms or tofu to the pot and add the vegetable broth or water, salt, caraway seeds, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through and the stew is thick and hearty.
5. Adjust the seasonings as necessary and serve hot.

Additional Tips for a Successful Outcome

• You can use any variety of mushrooms to create a unique and flavorful vegetarian Goulash.
• Tofu is a great meat substitute that can bulk up any vegetarian recipe.
• Make sure to adjust the seasonings to your taste.

IV. Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe

If you don’t have time to stand over a stove, a slow cooker is the perfect alternative. Here’s how to make Goulash in a slow cooker.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 cups beef broth or water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced

Cooking Process

1. Put all of the ingredients except for the diced potatoes and carrots in a slow cooker and set on low for 8-10 hours.
2. Add the potatoes and carrots to the slow cooker in the last hour of cooking and allow to cook through.

Additional Tips for a Successful Outcome

• Make sure to cut the beef into small pieces to ensure it cooks evenly.
• You can brown the beef and onions before adding to the slow cooker for a richer flavor.
• Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste.

V. Instant Pot Goulash Recipe

Want to make Goulash quickly? Use your Instant Pot. Here’s how to do it.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 cups beef broth or water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced

Cooking Process

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the Instant Pot and cook until the onions are translucent.
3. Add the beef back to the Instant Pot along with the paprika, tomato paste, beef broth or water, salt, caraway seeds, and bay leaf. Lock the lid in place and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 25 minutes.
4. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before performing a quick pressure release.
5. Add the diced potatoes and carrots to the Instant Pot and set it to sauté mode for another 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through.

Additional Tips for a Successful Outcome

• Make sure to deglaze the Instant Pot after browning the beef to prevent burning.
• You can adjust the thickness of the stew by adding more or less liquid.
• Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste.

VI. Goulash Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a lighter version of Goulash, try making it into a soup. Here’s how.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 6 cups beef broth or water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced

Cooking Process

1. Follow the cooking process for the classic Goulash recipe.
2. Once the Goulash is done cooking, add two extra cups of beef broth or water to create a soup-like consistency.
3. Adjust the seasoning to your taste and serve hot.

Additional Tips for a Successful Outcome

• Make sure to add enough liquid to create a soup-like consistency.
• You can add other vegetables to this soup, such as celery or bell peppers, to create a heartier dish.
• Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste.

VII. Spicy Goulash Recipe

If you like your food spicy, try this version of Goulash that packs some heat.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 cups beef broth or water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 4-5 dried chili peppers
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced

Cooking Process

1. Follow the cooking process for the classic Goulash recipe.
2. Add 4-5 dried chili peppers to the pot when adding the beef broth or water to create extra heat.
3. Adjust the seasoning and the amount of chili peppers to your taste.

Additional Tips for a Successful Outcome

• Make sure to handle the chili peppers with care and wash your hands thoroughly after handling.
• You can use fresh chili peppers instead of dried ones for a different flavor profile.
• If you want less heat, you can remove the seeds of the chili peppers.

VIII. Conclusion

Goulash is a delicious and comforting dish that can be modified to fit any dietary needs or preferences. Whether you prefer the classic beefy stew or a spicy vegetarian version, there’s a Goulash recipe for everyone. Trying out these recipes is a great way to experiment in the kitchen and impress your friends and family. Share this article with anyone who wants to learn how to make Goulash and enjoy this warming dish together.