Beef Goulash

Beef goulash is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. This delightful stew is all about tender, succulent chunks of beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce. The aroma of sautéed onions and garlic fills the kitchen, promising a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. The dish is seasoned with a selection of spices that balance the rich flavors, offering a warm and inviting taste. It’s a versatile recipe that allows for variations based on personal preferences or dietary needs. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also straightforward to prepare, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced cooks. While it takes some time to simmer, the results are well worth it. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal that will impress your guests. With a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a dish that embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort food.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound of beef, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour

Spices and Sauces

• Your choice of meat spices
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water or broth for stewing

Preparation Time

Total Time: 50 minutes (Preparation: 20 minutes, Cooking: 30 minutes)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Start by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic to enhance their flavors.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a pan, heat a bit of oil and sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they are translucent and aromatic.
3. Brown the Beef: Add the beef chunks to the pan with the onions and garlic, sautéing them until they are browned on all sides.
4. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to coat the beef pieces for a richer flavor.
5. Sprinkle Flour: Lightly sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring well to avoid clumps, which will help thicken the sauce.
6. Simmer the Stew: Transfer everything to a pot, adding enough water or broth to cover the beef.
7. Seasoning: Add your choice of meat spices, along with salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure even seasoning.
8. Slow Cooking: Let the mixture simmer on low heat. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
9. Check for Tenderness: Cook until the beef is tender and easy to cut through. This usually takes about 30 minutes.
10. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more spices or salt to your preference.
11. Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, let it reduce further by simmering a bit longer without a lid.
12. Check the Liquid Level: Ensure that the beef is submerged in enough liquid during cooking to prevent it from drying out.
13. Serve: Once the beef is tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful, your goulash is ready to serve.
14. Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
15. Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy with your chosen sides.
16. Perfect for Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop.
17. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
18. Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
19. Spice it Up: For a kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
20. Final Touch: Adjust the seasoning before serving to ensure the perfect taste.

Tips

• Spice Mix: Customize your spice blend for a unique flavor profile.
• Tender Meat: Use a cut of beef that benefits from slow cooking for ultimate tenderness.
• Thickening Agent: Flour is optional but helps in making the sauce thicker.

Nutrition

Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Protein: 25g
Fats: 15g
Carbs: 10g

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute beef with mushrooms or tofu, using vegetable broth.
• Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.
• Spicy: Add paprika and hot sauce for a fiery version.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a complete meal.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for added freshness.

Best Places

• Paprika Budapest Restaurant - Specializes in authentic Hungarian cuisine with a warm atmosphere. Location: Jokai u. 12, Budapest, Hungary.
• Café Central - Offers a delicious and cozy take on traditional goulash. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Sasha’s Kitchen - Known for a hearty goulash and welcoming vibe. Location: Chvaletice 73, Chvaletice, Czech Republic.
• Beef & Barrel - A modern twist on classic dishes with a focus on quality ingredients. Location: 21 Campbell Ln, Singapore.
• Goulash House - Best for traditional goulash with an extensive menu. Location: 361 Old Kingston Rd, Toronto, Canada.
• The Green Door Café - Offers a local version with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Location: 7-41 Massell St, Cambridge, New Zealand.
• Hofbräu Berlin - Serves hearty servings of goulash in a classic beer hall setting. Location: Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse 30, Berlin, Germany.
• Hungarikum Bistro - A must-visit for authentic Hungarian dishes. Location: Steindl Imre u. 13, Budapest, Hungary.
• Kino Šiška - Combines contemporary cooking techniques with classic recipes. Location: Trg prekomorskih brigad 3, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
• Old Town Restaurant - Known for its fusion of flavors and unique goulash recipes. Location: Dag Hammarskjölds 38, Gothenburg, Sweden.