Goulash
Cuisine: German Type: Entree

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Beef
500 grams (500)
Onions
2 medium (200)
Red Bell Pepper
1 large (150)
Garlic Cloves
2 cloves (10)
Carrots
2 medium (150)
Potatoes
3 medium (600)
Tomato Paste
2 tablespoons (30)
Sweet Paprika Powder
2 tablespoons (20)
Caraway Seeds
1 teaspoon (2)
Marjoram
1 teaspoon (1)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Ground Black Pepper
0.5 teaspoon (2)
Beef Broth
500 milliliters (500)
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons (30)
Sour Cream
4 tablespoons (60)
Totals
80 oz
(2,260 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Beef
250
Onion
40
Paprika
10
Carrot
30
Potato
80
Tomato
20
Bell Pepper
25
Beef Broth
15
Garlic
5
Vegetable Oil
120
Salt
0
Pepper
0
Bay Leaf
0
Parsley
5
Totals
600 kcal
Steps
1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add oil to the pot and heat it until shimmering.
3. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and lightly browned.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the diced beef to the pot and brown it on all sides, stirring occasionally.
6. Sprinkle the paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, and a pinch of salt and pepper over the beef and onions. Stir well to coat the meat evenly.
7. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
8. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef becomes tender.
9. Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized cubes.
10. After the beef has cooked for the desired time, add the cubed potatoes to the pot.
11. Continue simmering for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through and tender.
12. In a small bowl, mix together the flour and water to create a slurry.
13. Slowly pour the slurry into the pot while stirring continuously to thicken the goulash.
14. Let the goulash simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
15. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
16. Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
17. Serve the goulash hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
18. It pairs well with crusty bread or traditional German side dishes like spaetzle or dumplings. Enjoy your homemade German goulash!
Substitutions
- Beef: Substitute with pork or lamb, using the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
- Onion: Replace with shallots or leeks, using the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
- Garlic: Use garlic powder or granulated garlic as a substitute, using half the quantity mentioned in the recipe.
- Paprika: If smoked paprika is not available, regular paprika can be used in the same quantity.
- Carrots: Replace with parsnips or turnips, using the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
- Potatoes: Substitute with sweet potatoes or butternut squash, using the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
- Tomato paste: Use tomato sauce or canned diced tomatoes, using double the quantity mentioned in the recipe and reducing the liquid accordingly.
- Beef broth: Replace with vegetable broth or chicken broth, using the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
- Red wine: If unavailable, use beef broth or vegetable broth as a substitute in the same quantity.
- Bay leaves: Omit if not available or replace with a pinch of dried thyme or marjoram.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust according to taste preferences.
Pairings
- Spaetzle (German egg noodles)
- Sauerkraut
- Rye bread
- Potato pancakes
- Pickles (especially gherkins)
- Red cabbage
- Pretzels
- German mustard
- Beer (such as a German lager or wheat beer)
- Riesling wine
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish the goulash with a sprig of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of chopped chives for a pop of color.
- Serve the goulash in individual mini cocottes or ramekins for an elegant and personalized presentation.
- Use a ring mold to shape the goulash into a neat round or square shape before plating.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a handful of sautéed mushrooms, such as porcini or chanterelles, to enhance the earthy flavor.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of smoked paprika for a smoky and robust taste.
- Stir in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche just before serving to add richness and creaminess.
3. Elevate with luxurious ingredients:
- Replace regular beef with tender cuts like filet mignon or wagyu beef for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Introduce a splash of red wine, such as a full-bodied Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, to add depth and complexity to the dish.
- Top the goulash with a drizzle of truffle oil or shaved truffles for an indulgent touch.
Remember to adjust the cooking time and technique accordingly to ensure the premium ingredients are cooked to perfection. Enjoy your next-level goulash!
Diet Restrictions
- Use lean cuts of meat (such as beef sirloin or tenderloin) instead of fattier cuts to reduce saturated fat content.
- Increase the amount of vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and tomatoes) to boost fiber and nutrient content.
- Replace regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for those with gluten intolerance or preference for whole grains.
- Reduce the amount of salt by using low-sodium broth or seasoning alternatives like herbs, spices, and vinegar.
- If following a vegetarian or vegan diet, substitute meat with plant-based protein sources like tofu, tempeh, or seitan.
- For those with lactose intolerance or dairy-free preferences, omit sour cream as a topping or use dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt or cashew cream.
- Adjust the spiciness level by reducing or omitting hot peppers for individuals with sensitive stomachs or taste preferences.
- Opt for healthier cooking methods like baking or grilling the meat instead of frying to reduce added fats.
- Consider portion control by serving smaller portions or adding more vegetables to make the dish more filling without increasing calorie intake.
- Lastly, consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized dietary adjustments based on specific health conditions or dietary restrictions.
Healthy Choices
- Use lean cuts of meat, such as beef sirloin or tenderloin, instead of fattier cuts like chuck or stewing beef.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the dish, such as bell peppers, carrots, and tomatoes, to add more fiber and nutrients.
- Replace regular pasta or noodles with whole wheat or gluten-free options to increase the fiber content.
- Reduce the amount of oil or fat used for sautéing by using non-stick cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.
- Instead of using regular sour cream, opt for a low-fat or Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative.
- Use herbs and spices to enhance the flavor instead of adding excessive amounts of salt.
- Consider adding legumes like kidney beans or lentils to increase the protein and fiber content.
- If using canned ingredients like tomatoes or beans, choose low-sodium or no-salt-added versions.
- Opt for homemade broth or stock instead of using store-bought options that may contain added sodium or preservatives.
- Serve the goulash with a side of leafy greens or a salad to increase the overall nutritional value of the meal.
Shortcuts
1. Opt for cheaper cuts of meat: Substitute expensive cuts like beef tenderloin with cheaper options such as chuck roast or stewing beef. They work just as well in goulash and are more budget-friendly.
2. Use pre-cut vegetables: Save time by using pre-cut vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and carrots. They are readily available in most grocery stores and can significantly reduce prep time.
3. Pressure cook or use a slow cooker: Invest in a pressure cooker or slow cooker to save time and effort. These appliances can tenderize the meat faster, reducing cooking time while still achieving a delicious result.
4. Make a larger batch: Prepare a larger quantity of goulash and freeze the leftovers in individual portions. This way, you'll have ready-made meals for busy days, saving both time and money.
5. Replace fresh herbs with dried ones: Fresh herbs can be expensive, so consider using dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or bay leaves instead. They provide a similar flavor and are more cost-effective.
6. Use tomato paste instead of fresh tomatoes: Tomato paste is a concentrated and affordable alternative to fresh tomatoes. It adds a rich flavor to the goulash and saves time on chopping and simmering fresh tomatoes.
7. Serve with cost-effective sides: Instead of traditional spaetzle, serve goulash with egg noodles or rice. These options are cheaper and quicker to prepare while still complementing the dish well.
8. Utilize a spice blend: Save time by using a pre-made goulash spice blend instead of measuring individual spices. These blends are widely available and ensure a balanced flavor profile without the need for multiple ingredients.
9. Opt for canned beef broth: Instead of making homemade beef broth, use canned beef broth or bouillon cubes. They provide a similar flavor and are more time-efficient.
10. Consider vegetarian alternatives: If you want to skip the meat, try making a vegetarian goulash using mushrooms or legumes as a protein substitute. It can be equally delicious and cost-effective.
Remember, these alterations are meant to save time and money without compromising too much on taste. Feel free to adjust the suggestions to your personal preferences and dietary needs.