Experience the Warmth of Hungarian Cuisine with this Classic Recipe
Picture a dish that embodies the warmth and tradition of a distant land, where each bite takes you on a journey through intense and comforting flavors. Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a classic of Hungarian cuisine, perfect for cozy evenings with friends and family.
As you read through the ingredients, you can almost smell the aroma of onions blending with the sweetness of paprika. And how can one forget that autumn afternoon when my grandmother, with skilled hands and loving dedication, taught me to cook this dish? Every time I prepare it, I relive those precious moments.
You are about to embark on the same culinary journey: from choosing the most suitable meat to the final touch that will make your version of the Hungarian dish unforgettable. Get ready to delight your guests with a recipe rich in history and flavor!
Recipe Notes
- EASE: Easy to make with everyday ingredients.
- BOLD FLAVORS: Tender, flavorful meat with spicy notes.
- PREP TIME: 20 minutes for quick preparation.
- COOKING TIME: 150 minutes for slow, aromatic cooking.
- NUTRITIONAL NOTES: Approximately 350 calories per serving.
Ingredients Notes for the Recipe
- Beef: choose a suitable cut for stews, such as chuck
- Onions: essential for building flavor in the dish
- Pork Lard: adds flavor and texture to the porkolt
- Sweet Paprika Powder: essential for the characteristic color and sweet flavor
- Red Bell Peppers and Tomatoes: add freshness and color to the dish
- Garlic: for an extra aromatic touch to the preparation
Nutritional Aspects
Beef Goulash is a protein-packed dish that’s perfect for a hearty meal.
- High protein content thanks to 900g of beef.
- Provides long-lasting energy with approximately 350 Kcal per serving.
- Source of vitamins and minerals from red bell peppers and fresh tomatoes.
- Using pork lard, a traditional source of saturated fats.
- Sweet paprika, a low-calorie ingredient that enhances flavor without weighing it down.
- Recipe free from added sugars, bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Beef Porkolt Recipe
Instructions
- Cut the beef into uniform cubes of about 3 cm to ensure even cooking.
- Peel and finely slice the onions, then fry them in a saucepan with hot lard over low heat for about 5 minutes.
- Add the paprika, mix well, and let the sautéed mixture flavor, then deglaze with two tablespoons of water.
- Salt the beef cubes and add them to the saucepan, letting them brown slightly on all sides.
- Cover the meat with plenty of water, close with a lid, and let it cook over low heat for about 2 - 2 and a half hours.
- Meanwhile, wash the bell peppers, remove the seeds and white inner membranes, and cut them into small pieces. Also, clean the tomatoes and cut them into wedges.
- After two-thirds of the estimated cooking time, add the tomatoes, bell peppers, and finely chopped garlic to the saucepan.
- Continue cooking until the indicated time is over, then serve hot.
Notes
Variations of the Traditional Beef Porkolt Recipe
Add your own twist to the classic recipe:
- Include yellow and green bell peppers for a burst of color and flavor
- Swap the beef for pork for a tasty alternative
- Add cubed potatoes to make the dish more hearty
- Use spicy paprika instead of sweet for an explosion of flavor
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
Here are some common questions about making Beef Goulash.
How can I make the goulash spicier?
Add fresh chili or chili powder during cooking to give it an extra kick.
How can I adapt the recipe to make it vegetarian?
Replace the meat with tofu or seitan and increase the amount of vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.
How can I store leftover goulash?
Transfer the goulash to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep it fresh for future meals.