Description
A hearty and comforting Hungarian Goulash featuring smoky turkey bacon and a natural gelling agent for the perfect thick consistency. This recipe offers a rich blend of traditional flavors with a plant-based twist, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests with classic Eastern European taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats and Substitutes
- 200g smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 500g beef chuck, cut into chunks (or plant-based beef substitute)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons natural paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons natural tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 500ml beef or vegetable broth
Other Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the smoked turkey bacon, onion, and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Cut the beef chuck into evenly sized chunks. Gather the paprika, broth, and natural gelling agent for cooking.
- Brown the Meat and Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the smoked turkey bacon until slightly crisp and aromatic. Remove the bacon and set aside. Brown the beef chunks in the bacon fat over medium-high heat until a rich crust forms.
- Build the Flavor Base: Using the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Stir in the natural paprika and natural tomato paste, cooking briefly to blend the flavors.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the browned beef, bacon, carrots, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to the pot. Pour in the broth and apple cider vinegar. Stir in the natural gelling agent to thicken the stew. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat is tender and flavors meld.
- Final Touches: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If needed, add more natural gelling agent dissolved in cold water to thicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Slow simmering enhances flavor depth and tenderizes the meat.
- Use a mix of sweet and smoked paprika for a richer spice profile.
- Smoked turkey bacon is essential for smoky undertones but can be substituted.
- Add natural gelling agent gradually to prevent over-thickening.
- Taste and adjust seasoning during cooking for balanced flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Hungarian Goulash, smoky turkey bacon, plant-based beef substitute, paprika stew, comforting meal, traditional Hungarian, natural gelling agent, gluten free
