Hungarian Goulash Soup (Gulyás) – A Hearty

 

Hungarian Goulash Soup (Gulyás) – A Hearty Traditional Recipe

Introduction

Hungarian cuisine is known for its rich flavors, comforting dishes, and generous use of paprika. One of its most iconic meals is Goulash (Gulyás)—a traditional soup or stew that perfectly balances tender meat, vegetables, and warm spices. The dish you see in the image closely resembles this classic Hungarian favorite, made with ground or chopped beef, potatoes, carrots, and peas in a flavorful broth.

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Ingredients

• 500g (1 lb) beef (ground or cubed)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons Hungarian paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 2 potatoes (diced)
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 liter (4 cups) beef broth or water
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the base
   Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.

2. Add garlic and spices
   Stir in garlic and paprika. Cook briefly (about 30 seconds) to release the aroma, but avoid burning the paprika.

3. Cook the beef
   Add the beef and cook until browned. Stir occasionally to break it up if using ground meat.

4. Add vegetables
   Mix in carrots, potatoes, bell pepper, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine flavors.

5. Simmer the soup
   Pour in the beef broth. Add salt, pepper, and caraway seeds. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes until vegetables are tender.

6. Final touch
   Add green peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Adjust seasoning if needed.

7. Serve
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread.

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Tips for Perfect Goulash

• Use authentic Hungarian paprika for the best flavor.
• Slow cooking enhances the richness of the dish.
• You can make it thicker (like a stew) or lighter (like a soup) by adjusting the liquid.
• For extra depth, add a bay leaf or a splash of red wine.

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Conclusion

This Hungarian Goulash Soup is a comforting, one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Perfect for cold days or when you want something hearty and satisfying, it brings a taste of Hungary right into your kitchen.

If you’re creating a WordPress food blog, this recipe is ideal for engaging readers with its rich history, simple preparation, and beautiful presentation.