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Gulyásleves (Hungarian Goulash Soup)

Hungarian · Soup

A rich, hearty Eastern European classic. This traditional Hungarian soup features tender beef, earthy root vegetables, and the signature warmth of sweet Hungarian paprika, simmered to a deep, savory perfection.

IntermediateDairy free
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Gulyásleves (Hungarian Goulash Soup) — recipe cover
2 hrA little patience, a lot of flavor
Prep time20 min
Cook time1 hr 40 min
Servings6 people
DifficultyIntermediate
Let's make something good

How to make it

6 steps. Take it one step at a time.

  1. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt the lard

    In a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt the lard over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent and soft, but not browned.

  2. Remove the pot from the heat

    Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the paprika powder quickly (don't let it burn or it will turn bitter). Add the cubed beef and a tiny splash of water. Return to medium-high heat and sear the beef until it is no longer pink.

    5 min
  3. Add the minced garlic, caraway seeds, salt, black pepper, diced tomato

    Add the minced garlic, caraway seeds, salt, black pepper, diced tomato, and diced bell pepper. Stir well to combine.

  4. Pour in the beef stock

    Pour in the beef stock (or water). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for about 80-90 minutes, or until the meat is almost tender.

    1 hr 30 min
  5. Add the sliced carrots and parsnips

    Add the sliced carrots and parsnips to the pot. Simmer for another 10 minutes.

    10 min
  6. Add the cubed potatoes

    Add the cubed potatoes. Continue simmering for another 20 minutes, or until both the potatoes and the meat are completely tender. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

    20 min

A little kitchen wisdom

For the most authentic flavor, use Hungarian sweet paprika and lard instead of oil. If available, add 'csipetke' (small pinched noodles) during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

What you'll need

Large soup potChef's knifeWooden spoon
Keep the good going

For now. And for later.

Make it ahead

This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.

Store & enjoy

Store in an airtight container once cooled. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat.

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An AI-created recipe from the EZdish collection. Ingredient quantities and techniques have not been independently kitchen-tested. Published on this website . Updated . First published in the EZdish collection .

Gulyásleves (Hungarian Goulash Soup)
Step 1 of 6

In a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt the lard

In a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt the lard over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent and soft, but not browned.