Goulash soup

Recipe: Goulash Soup

Goulash Soup is a traditional Hungarian dish known for its rich flavor and aroma. The main ingredient is beef, which is stewed with vegetables and aromatic spices. This soup is especially delicious when served hot, sprinkled with fresh herbs.

Ingredients

• 500g beef, cubed
• 2 tbsp sunflower oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red pepper, sliced into rings
• 2 tbsp red paprika
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced into rounds
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1.5 liters beef broth
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat sunflower oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add cubed beef and sauté until browned on all sides.
5. Sprinkle the meat with red paprika and tomato paste, stir and cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Add diced potatoes and carrots, mix well and sauté for another 3-4 minutes.
7. Gradually add hot beef broth and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
8. Reduce heat and let the soup simmer on low heat, covered, for 1.5 - 2 hours, until the beef is tender.
9. Before serving, remove the bay leaf, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve the goulash soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips

• Choose quality meat for goulash soup, preferably beef with a low fat content.
• For a thicker soup consistency, add more potatoes.
• Smoked paprika can be used for additional flavor.
• If you prefer it spicier, add hot paprika or chili peppers.
• Prepare the broth in advance or use ready-made beef broth to save time.
• Serve the goulash soup with sour cream for a richer taste.
• Cook the soup over low heat to make the meat tender and flavorful.
• Gradually adding the broth helps evenly distribute the liquid and spices.
• Season with salt towards the end of cooking, as the meat and vegetables may reduce in volume.
• Enjoy the goulash soup hot, with bread or chunks of potatoes.

Common Mistakes

• Overcooking the meat: The beef in goulash soup should be tender. Overcooking will result in tough meat. Watch the cooking time and use low heat.
• Too much fat: Use lean meat. Too much fat can make the soup greasy and heavy.
• Insufficient stewing time: Goulash soup requires a long stewing time for the meat to become tender and flavorful. Take your time and let it cook.
• Using too soft potatoes: Choose medium-firm potatoes so they do not fall apart during cooking.
• Failure to monitor temperature: Control the heat to prevent the soup from boiling too vigorously and burning.
• Excessive use of spices: Moderation in adding spices is key to good flavor. Too much red paprika can make the soup spicier than desired.
• Lack of sauciness: If the soup is too thick, add more hot broth to achieve the desired consistency.
• Forgetting acidic ingredients: Lemon juice or vinegar can add brightness and balance the flavor of the soup.
• Not removing the bay leaf: The bay leaf adds aroma to the soup, but it should be removed before serving.
• Not enough marinating time: The longer the beef marinates in the seasonings, the richer the flavor will be. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Interesting facts about Goulash Soup:

• Origin of the dish: Goulash soup is one of the most famous dishes in Hungarian cuisine. It was invented by Hungarian shepherds, who cooked it over an open fire in field conditions.
• National dish: Goulash soup is considered the national dish of Hungary and one of the symbols of the country. Competitions for cooking this soup are held annually in Hungary.
• Variety of recipes: Hungarians are very proud of their goulash soup, and different regions of the country may have different recipes for this dish. However, all versions are based on beef and paprika.
• Paprika - key ingredient: The main flavoring of goulash soup is red paprika. This spice gives the dish a distinctive aroma and bright red color.
• Goulash in world culture: The dish is popular not only in Hungary but also in many other countries around the world. Variations can be found in restaurants and kitchens of many cultures.
• Goulash and art: This dish has influenced art and literature. For example, Hungarian composer Franz Liszt wrote a "Goulash Fantasy" for piano, inspired by this soup.
• Soup and cold weather: Goulash is the perfect dish for cold days. It will warm you up and lift your spirits with its aroma and rich flavor.
• Popularity at festivals: At many festivals and culinary events around the world, you can try authentic goulash soup prepared according to the Hungarian recipe.
• Goulash and culture: Goulash soup is often mentioned in literature, films, and songs, indicating its significance in culture.

Now you know how to prepare a flavorful and rich goulash soup that will be a real comfort on cold days and allow you to immerse yourself in Hungarian culture. Try cooking this wonderful soup and delight your loved ones with its taste and aroma. Enjoy your goulash soup!