Beef goulash

Beef Gulyás - a delicious recipe for the soul and taste buds

Who hasn’t heard of gulyás? This beef recipe, rich in flavors and comfort, is a true symbol of hospitality and conviviality. Gulyás, with its fascinating history, was originally a dish of shepherds, cooked in large cauldrons over an open fire, and has now become a delicacy appreciated worldwide. Every family has its own recipe, but today I will share my favorite version, which includes fluffy dumplings that soak up the flavorful sauce.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients for gulyás:
- 400 g beef (preferably from the shoulder or chuck)
- 2 large red onions
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 3 ripe tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 100 ml cooking cream
- 2 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredients for dumplings:
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 100 ml water
- 200 g flour
- salt, to taste

Preparation:

1. Start by preparing the ingredients. Chop the onions into small cubes and cut the beef into pieces about 2-3 cm. This will help the meat brown evenly and absorb the delicious flavors. The tomatoes can be peeled and chopped, and the bell pepper diced. Finely chop the garlic.

2. In a deep pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft. This step is essential as the caramelized onion will add depth to the dish.

3. Add the cut beef and brown it on all sides for 5-8 minutes until it changes color. Season with salt and pepper, then add the sweet paprika, stirring quickly to avoid burning.

4. Deglaze the dish with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth for a richer taste. Add the chopped garlic, bell pepper, and tomatoes. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 50 minutes, stirring occasionally. This time allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become extremely tender.

5. Finally, incorporate the tomato paste and cream, mixing well. Let it simmer for another minute to combine the flavors. Your gulyás is now ready to be enjoyed!

Preparing dumplings:

1. In a bowl, beat the two eggs with a pinch of salt and the melted butter. Gradually add the water and then the flour, mixing continuously until you obtain a soft but consistent dough. The oil is added at the end to improve the texture of the dumplings.

2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil with a teaspoon of salt. Use a clean plastic bag, cut a small corner, and fill it with the dumpling dough. This trick will allow you to form small dumplings that will easily drop into the water.

3. When the water is boiling, squeeze small portions of dough into the water. The dumplings are ready when they rise to the surface, after about 3-5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and let them drain well.

4. Add the dumplings to your hot gulyás, stirring gently to allow them to soak up all the savory sauce.

Serving suggestions and variations:

Serve the gulyás hot, sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness. You can also add a spoonful of cream on top for a creamy and tasty appearance. If you like spicy food, feel free to add hot paprika to taste.

For a touch of originality, you can add diced carrots or potatoes during the cooking process. These will enrich the dish and add a pleasant texture.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can use pork or chicken, but the cooking time will vary.

2. How can I make the gulyás thicker?
Add diced potatoes or carrots, which will thicken the sauce and make it more filling.

3. What wine pairs well with gulyás?
A red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, will perfectly complement the flavors of the dish.

Nutritional benefits:

This recipe is rich in protein due to the beef, while the vegetables add valuable vitamins and antioxidants. The cream adds a boost of calcium, and the flour dumplings provide necessary carbohydrates for energy. It is a perfect meal for chilly days, helping you feel full and satisfied.

Calories:

A serving of gulyás with dumplings contains approximately 600 calories, depending on the portions of meat and cream used. It is a hearty meal that provides energy and comfort.

I hope this gulyás recipe with dumplings brings you closer to culinary traditions and transforms your meals into a memorable experience! Cooking is an art, so enjoy every step and don’t hesitate to experiment with ingredients and spices. Enjoy your meal!