When the chill of autumn begins to settle in and you’re craving a warm and comforting meal, hearty German Goulash is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. Originating from Europe, this rich and flavorful stew is a classic favorite that brings together succulent meat, tender vegetables, and a blend of spices that will warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re looking to impress your dinner guests or simply treat your family to a cozy night in, this recipe for Hearty German Goulash is sure to become a staple in your home kitchen.
Hearty German Goulash
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 large onions, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp sweet paprika
– 1 tsp caraway seeds
– 1/2 tsp dried thyme
– 2 bay leaves
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup crushed tomatoes
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches and brown them on all sides. Ensure not to overcrowd the pot to achieve a nice sear on the meat. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the chopped onions and cook until they soften and turn translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle the sweet paprika over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Add the caraway seeds, dried thyme, and bay leaves, stirring to combine and release their flavors.
4. Return the browned beef cubes to the pot, along with any accumulated juices. Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the goulash simmer gently for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The meat should become tender and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, add the sliced red and green bell peppers to the pot, stirring them into the stew. Continue to simmer until the peppers are just tender.
7. Once the goulash is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaves and discard them. Serve the Hearty German Goulash hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
There you have it – a soul-warming Hearty German Goulash that captures the essence of European comfort food. This dish is perfect for cozy nights at home, dinner parties with friends, or simply when you want to transport your taste buds to another land. The rich flavors, tender meat, and aromatic spices make this goulash a true delight for the senses. So, gather your ingredients, set aside some time to let the flavors develop, and enjoy the hearty goodness of this classic European recipe.
