Here’s a classic recipe for Goulash Soup, a hearty, flavorful dish of Hungarian origin:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 cups (1 liter) beef broth
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Onions and Garlic
- In the same pot, add the chopped onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Add Spices and Tomato Paste
- Stir in the sweet paprika, smoked paprika (if using), and caraway seeds. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Add the tomato paste and stir to combine everything well.
Step 4: Add Broth and Vegetables
- Pour in the beef broth, return the browned beef to the pot, and stir.
- Add the diced potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, bay leaf, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Step 5: Simmer
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle the goulash soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve with crusty bread or fresh rolls.
Enjoy your comforting and delicious Goulash Soup!
