Hungarian Beef Goulash Aka "porkolt"

Chef #489776's Note:

I took the original Hungarian version that my parents taught me, and added my own flare. I hope you like it as much as I do. For best results, use real Hungarian Paprika found in grocery or international food stores. This dish is best served with noodles, and preferably a traditional Hungarian cabbage salad.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 2

• 2 tablespoons corn oil
• 1 lb lean beef (cut into 3/4-inch cubes)
• 1 medium onion , chopped (about 1 cup)
• ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon Hungarian paprika
• 2 -4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon vegeta food seasoning salt or 1 beef bouillon cube
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 2 -3 pressed garlic cloves
• 1⁄3; cup red wine

Directions:

1. Saute beef, onions, bell pepper, and ground cumin in oil until onion is near falling apart over medium-low heat, adding water if needed. Blend in paprika, and add enough water to cover beef.
2. Cover and reduce heat to low.
3. Cook for 1 1/2 hours, or until beef can be separated with wooden spoon, stirring and adding water occasionally.
4. Add "Vegeta," or beef buillion, tomato sauce, pressed garlic and wine. Blend and let simmer for another 5-10 minutes.

Reviews

[Tanya N]

I made this last night and it was absolutely delicious! I am first generation Canadian, my father was born in Nyiregyhaza, Hungary, and both his parents were from Budapest. I have eaten Porkolt as a routine dish growing up and enjoy making it now, but I just had to try this rendition...and wow! From now on this is how I'm going to make it. It's not that different from the original version I grew up with, but the red wine does add a nice verience. Thanks for this awesome recipe! Btw, I only required 2 cups of water. 2 thumbs up!

[Rätsel Feinschmecker]

I've made this recipe twice now, both with 4 cups, and with 2 cups of water- the 2 cups seems to work better as it makes for a richer broth, and you can always add more as needed. My differences were as follows: When I made it was green bell pepper, and I sauteed the veggies first before then adding the meat. I used an actual tomato (about medium/large), plus the tomato puree/sauce. The tomato was added along with the spices and water to stew. If you want to tone it down on the spice factor (I had to for my wife), you can use 1/2 tbsp sweet, 1/2 tbsp hot Hungarian paprika. I love the hot version though, the taste can't be beat.

The type of meat I used was boneless pork ribs, about 1.5-2 lbs both times- the amount of fat is just right, and they fall apart even with a spoon.

This was my first Hungarian recipe I tried, and now I am hooked!