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German Goulash: The Authentic Recipe You Need to Try Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 63 reviews

Authentic German Goulash is a rich and comforting stew featuring tender beef chuck braised with sweet and smoked paprika, colorful bell peppers, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices. This slow-simmered dish is perfect for a hearty meal, traditionally served with spätzle, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. The recipe includes optional red wine for depth and a finishing touch of red wine vinegar and fresh parsley, with a creamy dollop of sour cream for extra indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 large onions, chopped
  • 2 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
  • 2 yellow bell peppers, seeded and chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bay leaf

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon marjoram
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Liquids and Others

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup dry red wine (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Garnish and Serving

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sour cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
  2. Heat oil: Warm the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to prepare for browning the beef.
  3. Brown the beef: In batches, brown the beef cubes on all sides, avoiding overcrowding. This step seals the meat, developing flavor. Remove browned beef and set aside.
  4. Sauté onions: Add chopped onions to the pot and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, building the stew’s aromatic base.
  5. Add peppers and garlic: Incorporate the chopped bell peppers and minced garlic. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until peppers soften slightly and garlic’s fragrance emerges.
  6. Toast spices: Stir in sweet paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, and cayenne (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to release their aromas.
  7. Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for another minute to deepen the stew’s flavor and color.
  8. Deglaze and add liquids: Pour in beef broth and optional red wine, scraping up browned bits from the pot bottom to enrich the stew’s taste.
  9. Return beef and add bay leaf: Put the browned beef back into the pot and add the bay leaf for subtle herbal notes.
  10. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 2-3 hours until beef is very tender, stirring occasionally and adding broth if needed to keep meat submerged.
  11. Make flour slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together flour and 1/4 cup cold water until smooth. This will thicken the stew later.
  12. Thicken goulash: Gradually whisk the flour slurry into the simmering stew, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
  13. Remove bay leaf: Take out the bay leaf to avoid overpowering the dish.
  14. Add vinegar: Stir in red wine vinegar to brighten and balance the rich flavors.
  15. Adjust seasoning: Taste the goulash and add salt and pepper as needed for a perfect flavor balance.
  16. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream. Traditional accompaniments include spätzle, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread.

Notes

  • Optional ingredients like red wine and cayenne pepper can be omitted for a milder flavor or non-alcoholic version.
  • Slow simmering is key for tender beef and deep flavor development.
  • Goulash thickens as it cools; adjust broth quantity to preferred consistency.
  • Serving with spätzle or egg noodles enhances authenticity.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld.

Keywords: German Goulash, Beef Stew, Authentic Goulash, Paprika Stew, Comfort Food, Slow Simmered Beef

Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/german-goulash-the-authentic-recipe-you-need-to-try-recipe/