Hungarian Goulash Soup – all recipe21

Here’s an authentic-style Hungarian Goulash Soup (Gulyásleves) — hearty, rich, and deeply comforting, with tender beef, paprika-spiced broth, and vegetables. This is closer to the traditional Hungarian soup than the thick stew often called “goulash” elsewhere. 🍲🇭🇺

🍲 Hungarian Goulash Soup (Gulyásleves)

Ingredients (Serves 6)

2 Tbsp lard or vegetable oil
2 large onions, finely chopped
1½–2 lbs beef chuck or shin, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 Tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika (very important!)
½ tsp hot paprika or cayenne (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp caraway seeds (lightly crushed)
1 bay leaf
6 cups beef broth or water
2 medium potatoes, peeled & diced
1 carrot, sliced
1 parsnip (or extra carrot), sliced
1 tomato, chopped (or ½ cup canned)
1 green bell pepper, chopped
Salt & black pepper, to taste

Optional (Traditional Touch):

Csipetke (tiny pinched egg noodles)

Instructions

1️⃣ Build the Base

Heat fat in a heavy pot over medium heat.
Add onions and cook slowly 10–15 minutes until soft and golden (not browned).
Remove pot from heat, stir in paprika (prevents bitterness).

2️⃣ Brown the Beef

Return pot to low heat.
Add beef, garlic, caraway, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Stir until beef is coated and lightly seared.

3️⃣ Simmer

Add broth (or water), tomato, and bell pepper.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Cover and cook 60–90 minutes, until beef is tender.

4️⃣ Add Vegetables

Add potatoes, carrot, and parsnip.
Simmer 20–30 minutes until vegetables are soft.

5️⃣ Finish

Adjust seasoning.
Add csipetke in the last 5–8 minutes if using.

⭐ Pro Tips for Authentic Flavor

Use real Hungarian paprika — it’s the soul of the dish.
Never burn paprika; always remove from heat before adding.
Goulash should be soupy, not thick.
Tastes even better the next day.

🍞 How to Serve

With crusty bread or rye
Pickles or fresh peppers on the side
A spoonful of sour cream (optional, less traditional but common)

🔄 Variations

Kettle goulash (Bogrács): Cook outdoors over open fire
Spicy version: Add more hot paprika
Hearty winter style: Add a little extra potato

If you want, I can also share:

A quick pressure-cooker version
A vegetarian mushroom goulash soup
A csipetke recipe step-by-step