Real Hungarian Goulash
From Cooks Illustrated, December 2008. Use a chuck eye roast. Do not use hot, half-sharp or Spanish paprika; if possible, order sweet paprika online and use a fresh container. The stew can be prepared up to 2 days ahead; do not add the optional sour cream until after reheating. Remove the hardened fat and add water to thin it.
From Cooks Illustrated, December 2008. Use a chuck eye roast. Do not use hot, half-sharp or Spanish paprika; if possible, order sweet paprika online and use a fresh container. The stew can be prepared up to 2 days ahead; do not add the optional sour cream until after reheating. Remove the hardened fat and add water to thin it.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- table salt
- 1 leaf
- 1 (3 1/2 lb) boneless beef chuck roast, trimmed of
- 1/3 cup sweet paprika
- 12 ounces roasted red peppers drained and rinsed (about 1 cup)
- 3 teaspoons white vinegar divided
- 4 large onions diced small
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch thick rounds
- 1 cup beef broth warmed
- 1 lb small potato peeled
- Carbohydrate 15.9844332767257 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 3.40597066913441 g
- Fiber 4.51034911660347 g
- Protein 2.6878533886341 g
- Saturated Fat 0.363199604082153 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (275g)
- Sodium 304.141283949662 mg
- Sugar 11.4740841601222 g
- Trans Fat 0.209689116342217 g
- Calories 97 calories
Step-by-step
- Place rack in lower-middle position of oven and heat to 325degreesF.
- Sprinkle meat with 1 tsp salt and let stand 15 minutes.
- In a food processor, combine paprika, peppers, tomato paste and 2 tsp vinegar until smooth, 1-2 minutes.
- Heat oil in Dutch oven until shimmering.
- Add onions and 1 tsp salt. Cover and reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions soften but are not brown, 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in paprika paste and cook until onions begin to stick to bottom of pan, 2 minutes.
- Add beef, carrots and bay leaf. Stir until everything is well coated.
- Scrape down sides of pot, cover and place in oven.
- Cook, stirring every 30 minutes, until meat is tender, and liquid is 1/2" below top of meat, 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
- Remove pot from oven and add enough warmed beef broth to bring liquid level up to 1/4" below top of meat. Do not cover meat in liquid!
- Replace pot cover and return to oven about 30 minutes more, until a fork slides in and out of beef easily.
- Meanwhile, put potatoes, 1/2 cup beef broth and water in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, reduce to a rapid simmer, cover, and cook until potatoes are tender, 20-30 minutes.
- Skim fat off surface of stew.
- Stir in 1 tsp vinegar and sour cream, if using.
- Remove bay leaf and adjust seasonings.
- Serve over boiled potatoes.
Real Hungarian Goulash: A Culinary Journey
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a hearty, flavorful meal that satisfies the whole family can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present need to keep everyone fed and happy. But sometimes, even amidst the chaos, a little culinary adventure is just what the doctor ordered. That's where this Real Hungarian Goulash recipe comes in, a testament to the fact that delicious food doesn't need to be complicated or time-consuming.
This recipe, adapted from the esteemed Cook's Illustrated, promises a rich and deeply satisfying stew. The secret? It's all about the slow cooking. The beef, simmered gently in the oven, becomes incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth. And the paprika, the heart of this dish, adds a vibrant color and a depth of flavor that's simply irresistible. The preparation is surprisingly straightforward, perfect for even the most harried weeknights. The process is simple and the end result rewards every bit of effort.
The first step, preparing the paprika paste, is a simple yet impactful process. Whizzing together sweet paprika, roasted red peppers, and tomato paste in a food processor creates a flavor bomb, which acts as the foundation of the rich sauce. The slightly sweet paprika brings a unique dimension to the dish, making it distinct from its spicier counterparts. Don't skimp on the quality; using a fresh container of good paprika significantly elevates the overall flavor profile.
The onions, patiently caramelized until soft and slightly sweet, contribute another layer of complexity. The beef, chosen carefully for its ability to yield tender results, is slow-cooked to perfection, transforming into a succulent delight. Adding carrots and a bay leaf further enriches the flavor profile, enhancing the stew's depth and character. The slow cooking process itself, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen, is crucial in achieving that authentic Hungarian taste.
Once the beef is fork-tender, the final touches bring the goulash to its peak. A splash of warmed beef broth adjusts the consistency, while a touch of vinegar adds a subtle tang that balances the richness. And the optional dollop of sour cream? Pure indulgence! The combination of tender beef, rich savory sauce, and the subtle tanginess of the vinegar creates a balance of flavors that's utterly unforgettable.
The side of boiled potatoes complements the stew beautifully, providing a simple yet satisfying contrast in texture and temperature. Served hot, this goulash is a perfect cozy meal for a chilly evening. But don't let its richness fool you—this stew is amazingly versatile. It's equally enjoyable served warm for lunch the next day or even incorporated into other dishes, such as loaded baked potatoes or as a filling for hearty sandwiches.
This Real Hungarian Goulash isn’t just a recipe; it's a shortcut to family togetherness. It's a dish that nourishes not just the body but also the soul, creating warmth and comfort amidst the everyday chaos. It’s the sort of recipe that will become a staple in your home, a go-to meal that you'll reach for again and again, proving that even the busiest lives can embrace delicious, homemade food. It’s a story in itself—a flavorful testament to the power of simplicity and the enduring pleasure of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, this Real Hungarian Goulash is a recipe worth trying. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest dishes offer the most profound satisfaction, and that taking the time to prepare a thoughtful meal is an investment in well-being that always pays off. It's a recipe that speaks volumes about the love and care that goes into feeding our families, a testament to the enduring power of food to bring people together. And most importantly, it’s a hearty, delicious, and satisfying meal that will leave your family wanting more. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure that will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds. The reward? A truly unforgettable meal that will become a family favorite in no time!
