Authentic Goulash Soup Recipe

Goulash soup, a rich and hearty dish that hails from Hungary, has made its way into the hearts and kitchens of many across the globe. Its deep flavors, savory undertones, and soul-warming qualities make it a perfect choice for cozy evenings, chilly weather, or whenever you need a meal that’s comforting and satisfying.

What sets goulash apart from other soups is its vibrant use of paprika, the key ingredient that gives the dish its distinctive red color and smoky flavor. Goulash soup is not just a meal-it’s an experience, one that allows the spices, textures, and warmth to envelop you in a blanket of comfort. If you’ve never made this classic Hungarian dish, you’re in for a treat. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process and explore how to create the ultimate goulash soup that’s as authentic as it gets!

Authentic Goulash Soup Recipe

This goulash soup recipe stays true to the traditional Hungarian roots, with tender chunks of beef, a rich broth, and, of course, a hefty dose of paprika. The recipe below will guide you through creating this delicious, comforting dish right at home.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 lb (450g) beef chuck or stew beef, cut into cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp sweet paprika (Hungarian, if possible)
• 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional, but adds authentic flavor)
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 cups beef broth (or water for a lighter soup)
• 1-2 tbsp tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare The Beef

   • Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step-it’s important for developing flavor.

2. Sauté Onions And Garlic

   • After the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent. The garlic should be fragrant but not burnt.

3. Add The Spices

   • Sprinkle in the paprika (sweet Hungarian paprika works best) and caraway seeds. Stir them into the onions and garlic for about 1 minute to release their flavors. This step is crucial because it ensures the paprika doesn’t burn, which can make the soup bitter.

4. Add The Vegetables

   • Toss in the carrots and potatoes. Stir everything together so the vegetables are coated with the spices and onion-garlic mixture.

5. Build The Broth

   • Add the browned beef back into the pot along with the tomato paste, bay leaf, and beef broth (or water). Stir everything well to combine.

6. Simmer To Perfection

   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1-1.5 hours. The beef should be tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully. You can adjust the liquid level as needed; if it gets too thick, add more broth or water.

7. Season

   • Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Taste the broth and adjust the seasonings if necessary, ensuring the flavors are balanced.

8. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream if you prefer a richer texture.

Ingredient Insights

• Beef: The choice of beef cut is important. While you can use other cuts, chuck or stew beef is ideal because it becomes tender and juicy after long simmering. The marbled fat ensures the meat adds flavor to the broth.
• Paprika: Paprika is the heart and soul of goulash. Hungarian paprika, specifically, has a unique smokiness that’s essential for authenticity. The sweet version is typically used in goulash soup, though you can experiment with hot paprika if you enjoy a little heat.
• Caraway Seeds: These tiny, crescent-shaped seeds have a slightly nutty, earthy flavor that complements the paprika. Caraway is often used in Hungarian cuisine and adds depth to the goulash. It’s optional, but if you can find it, it makes a difference!
• Tomato Paste: The tomato paste adds a subtle tanginess to balance the richness of the beef and broth. It also contributes to the vibrant color of the soup.

Expert Tips

• Beef Broth vs. Water: While you can use water for a lighter soup, using beef broth intensifies the flavor. If you’re not keen on store-bought broth, you can easily make your own by simmering beef bones with vegetables for a few hours.
• Low and Slow Cooking: The key to a flavorful goulash soup is slow simmering. This allows the beef to break down into tender pieces and the spices to infuse the broth. If you’re in a rush, you can pressure cook the beef, but the traditional method is far superior for taste.
• Resting Time: Like many soups and stews, goulash soup benefits from resting. After cooking, let the soup sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and blend.
• Storage: Goulash soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is authentic and delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways you can make goulash soup your own:

• Vegetarian Version: For a meatless twist, swap the beef for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or zucchini. Add extra beans, lentils, or chickpeas for protein. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Spicy Goulash: Add a bit of heat by incorporating hot paprika or even a chopped chili pepper into the mix. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
• Smokier Flavor: If you love smoky flavors, try adding a bit of smoked paprika or a small piece of smoked sausage to the soup. This will deepen the richness and provide a more robust flavor.
• With Dumplings: Some Hungarian variations include small dumplings (nokedli) added to the soup. These soft, tender dumplings soak up the flavorful broth beautifully. You can find recipes for them online and incorporate them into your soup for a heartier dish.

Final Words

Goulash soup is one of those dishes that warms you from the inside out. It’s full of history, flavor, and soul. Whether you’re craving a comforting meal for the colder months or want to try something new and exciting, goulash soup is a classic that’s hard to beat. From its rich, beefy base to its deep, smoky spices, every bite is an experience. With the right ingredients, a little patience, and a whole lot of love, you can recreate this traditional dish in your own kitchen.