Bean Goulash Recipe – Hungarian Chef

When the weather turns chilly, there’s something magical about the way a warm, hearty dish fills the kitchen with its comforting aromas. For me, a big pot of bean goulash bubbling on the stove brings all the family members into the dining room, chatting and smiling as they anticipate a delightful meal. This dish pairs splendidly with crusty bread or a light green salad, making it a comforting family dinner or a show-stopping dish at gatherings. Grab a bowl, because this is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

Today, I want to share with you my beloved bean goulash recipe. This dish is a nod to traditional Hungarian cuisine, filled with delightful flavors, textures, and memories of cozy dinners at home. Trust me, once you taste this delightful bean goulash, you’ll understand why it has a special place in my heart—and my kitchen.

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What is Bean Goulash Recipe?

Bean goulash is a hearty stew that brings together rich, smokey flavors with the homey satisfaction that only beans can provide. Traditionally, it’s packed with chunks of meat, but we’re keeping it vegetarian-friendly (with the option of smoky sausage for added depth). The combination of spices and vegetables melds beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s not just filling but also delightfully flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish

Here’s what you’ll need to create a delicious bean goulash filled with layers of flavor and heartiness:

– 2 cups dried pinto beans, soaked overnight and rinsed (you could mix in some kidney, cannellini, or navy beans)

– 1 pound of kielbasa or another flavorful smoked sausage, sliced

– 2 medium yellow onions, chopped

– 2 tablespoons lard, bacon grease, or vegetable oil for cooking

– 2 medium firm Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced

– 1 small celeriac, peeled and chopped (or two ribs of celery)

– 1 small turnip, peeled and diced (optional)

– 2 carrots, diced

– 1 large green bell pepper, diced

– 2 Roma tomatoes, diced

– 3 tablespoons quality Hungarian paprika (this really makes a difference!)

– 4 cloves of garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon crushed caraway seeds

– 1 ½ teaspoons dried marjoram

– 2 tablespoons tomato paste

– 3 dried bay leaves

– 2 teaspoons salt

– ½ teaspoon fresh black pepper

– 1 smoked ham hock or large smoked neck bone

– 6 cups chicken broth (Aneto Chicken Broth is preferred)

– 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (for an extra layer of flavor)

– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

How to Make This Bean Goulash Recipe?

Now let’s dive into how to whip up this delicious dish. The steps are pretty straightforward, and trust me—your kitchen will smell amazing throughout the cooking process. Plus, this recipe is so wholesome that you’ll feel pretty good about serving it to your loved ones.

Step-by-step Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your choice of lard, bacon grease, or oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and sauté for about 5-7 minutes. You want them soft and translucent, becoming aromatic and filling your kitchen with that ‘home-cooked goodness’ vibe.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot and give it a good stir. Cook it for an additional 3-4 minutes until it develops a nice browning. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your goulash.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Garlic

Next, throw in the diced carrots, bell pepper, diced turnip (if using), celeriac, and minced garlic. Stir everything well and cook for another 5 minutes. This mingles the flavors nicely and allows the vegetables to soften a bit before we introduce the beans.

Step 4: Season and Incorporate Tomato Paste

Now it’s time to add the tomato paste, paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, salt, and black pepper. The paprika has a powerful role here, so don’t be shy. Stir to combine everything and allow it to cook for about a minute or two. These spices create a stellar base for your goulash.

Step 5: Bring in the Beans and Broth

Add your soaked and drained beans to the pot and stir gently to combine. Then, carefully nestle in the smoked ham hock or neck bone. Pour in the chicken broth—it should cover everything nicely. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover your pot.

Step 6: Simmer Away

Let your goulash simmer away for 90-120 minutes. If you’re using a ham hock, it’s a great time to daydream about what’s for dessert. You can occasionally check in, giving it a stir and checking the bean tenderness. You want them to be creamy and tender, but not mushy.

Step 7: Shred and Serve

Once the cooking time is up, remove the ham hock and shred any meat off the bone. Return the shredded meat to the pot and give it a good stir. If the goulash looks too thick, feel free to add more broth.

Tips & Tricks

– Soak the Beans: Soaking them overnight not only cuts cooking time significantly but also makes beans easier to digest.

– Quality Matters: Use high-quality Hungarian paprika; it’s essential to the dish’s authentic flavor.

– Adjust for Spice: If you like heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or some red pepper flakes.

– Add Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving can freshen the dish.

– Flavor Boost: A touch of red wine vinegar at the end can brighten everything up.

How Do You Store the Leftovers?

This bean goulash keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just ensure it’s cooled down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove. Add a splash of broth for consistency since it might thicken in the freezer!

Nutrition Information

Each serving of bean goulash provides a satisfying mix of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. It’s hearty, fulfilling, and offers about 350 calories, with a healthy balance of vitamins from the vegetables. Plus, the beans add a substantial amount of protein, making it a wonderful vegetarian dish!

What Sides Would Complement?

– Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up that flavorful broth.

– Green Salad: A refreshing and light option to balance the hearty stew.

– Cucumber Salad: The crunch and acidity contrast nicely with the rich goulash.

– Spätzle: These soft egg noodles are a traditional hearty side that pairs beautifully.

– Roasted Vegetables: Their caramelized flavor adds another layer of deliciousness.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Bean Goulash Recipe?

– Other Beans: Swap in black beans or navy beans if you prefer.

– Vegetarian Sausage: For a meatless alternative, use plant-based sausage.

– Different Broths: Use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian or beef broth for a more intense flavor.

– Cabbage: Add some shredded cabbage for extra volume and nutrition.

– Sweet Potatoes: You can replace Yukon Gold potatoes with diced sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness.

FAQs

1. Can I make this goulash vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the smoked sausage with vegetarian sausage and omit the ham hock. Use vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian option.

2. How can I add more flavor?

For additional depth, consider adding a splash of beer, a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar, or a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce during cooking.

3. Is there a faster way to make this?

You can use canned beans instead of dried; just rinse and add them during Step 5. This will slash your cooking time significantly.

4. Can I make this in advance?

Yes! Bean goulash tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just refrigerate it overnight and reheat when ready to serve.

5. What can I use instead of paprika?

Smoked paprika is a great substitute if you want that deeper, smoky flavor. Cayenne pepper can also work but will add heat, so use it sparingly.

Conclusion

Making bean goulash is not just about cooking; it’s about creating a comforting and flavorful experience that brings people together. Each spoonful is filled with warmth and satisfaction, making it more than just a meal but a delightful experience for everyone at the table. So, queue up some cozy music, gather your loved ones, and enjoy this incredible dish together. Happy cooking!

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