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Authentic Hungarian Gulyásleves (Goulash Soup) – A Hearty Stew with Tender Veal and Vegetables

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
Authentic Hungarian Gulyásleves (Goulash Soup) – A Hearty Stew with Tender Veal and Vegetables

Authentic Hungarian Gulyásleves (Goulash Soup) – A Hearty Stew with Tender Veal and Vegetables

Discover the rich flavors of traditional Hungarian Gulyásleves, often translated as “goulash soup,” though it resembles a thick stew enjoyed with a spoon. This recipe balances tender veal, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables, creating a comforting dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. Inspired by culinary excellence and perfected through trial, this goulash brings together a symphony of taste that rivals the best.

🕒 Prep Time: 30 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 2 hours
🍽️ Servings: 10

Ingredients

  • 1 kg veal (preferably rump), cut into 2 cm cubes
  • 3 large onions, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 3 carrots, diced
  • 2 parsley roots, diced
  • 30 g sweet paprika (high quality)
  • 3 tsp dried marjoram
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 3 tsp salt
  • 1 kg potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 peeled canned tomatoes
  • 1 roasted red bell pepper (or 1 tbsp sweet paprika paste)
  • 1 tsp harissa (optional, for heat)
  • 5 tbsp oil (vegetable or sunflower)
  • 1/2 batch dumpling dough (recipe below)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base

  • Chop veal into 2 cm cubes; dice onions, carrots, and parsley roots.
  • Heat oil in a large pan and sauté onions over medium heat until softened, about 10 minutes.
  • Increase heat to high, add veal cubes, and brown thoroughly for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add crushed garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

2. Spice and Simmer

  • Remove pan from heat. Stir in sweet paprika, marjoram, thyme, cumin, pepper, and salt until meat is evenly coated.
  • Add diced vegetables and 7 cups of water. Return to heat, bring to a boil, then reduce to low and cover. Simmer for 1.5 hours or until veal is tender.
  • Add salt after the first 30 minutes of simmering.

3. Prepare Tomato-Pepper Paste

  • Blend canned tomatoes and roasted red pepper until a chunky sauce forms (some texture should remain).
  • When veal is tender, add potatoes and tomato-pepper sauce to the pot.
  • Simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes until potatoes are cooked through. Adjust salt to taste.
  • Add harissa or chili to taste for a spicy variation.

4. Dumplings (Galuscute)

  • Prepare half the dumpling dough batch (see linked recipe).
  • Using a dumpling maker or a spoon, drop fine dumplings into the simmering goulash.
  • Let it boil 2-3 minutes, then turn off heat and cover. Let it rest and cool slightly.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve gulyásleves hot with fresh crusty bread and pickled peppers on the side.
  • The flavors deepen when allowed to rest; leftovers taste even better the next day.

💡 Tips

  • Cut meat perpendicular to the grain for tender bites.
  • Use high-quality paprika for authentic taste and vibrant color.
  • Adjust spice levels with harissa or chili powder according to preference.
  • For quicker cooking, use a pressure cooker but monitor closely.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Hearty family dinners
  • Traditional Hungarian cuisine enthusiasts
  • Cold-weather comfort meals

📝 Final Thoughts

This authentic Hungarian gulyásleves recipe delivers a robust and comforting stew brimming with tender veal, fresh vegetables, and warm spices. Its rich, complex flavors and satisfying textures make it a timeless classic ideal for any occasion seeking soulful nourishment and culinary tradition.