Beef goulash with dumplings
Beef Goulash with Dumplings - a traditional and comforting recipe
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Beef goulash with dumplings is a dish that has crossed generations, always bringing a sense of warmth and comfort. It is a meal that, during culinary indulgences, fills our home with its enticing aromas. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step in preparing this delight, highlighting not only the cooking techniques but also some tips and tricks that will help you achieve a perfect result.
The history of goulash
Beef goulash is a dish that has won the hearts of many due to its rich and comforting taste. It has deep roots, originating from rural areas where it was prepared by peasants using beef, vegetables, and simple spices. Over time, this dish has evolved into many variations, each bringing a touch of local traditions and ingredients. Alongside dumplings, goulash becomes a hearty meal, perfect for chilly evenings or family reunions.
Ingredients for goulash:
- 400 g beef (shoulder or shank is ideal)
- 2 medium onions
- 1 bell pepper (red or green)
- 50 g butter
- 20 g paprika (sweet or hot, depending on preference)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 small lemon (the juice from a lemon adds a tangy note)
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste
- salt, to taste
- sour cream, for serving (optional)
Ingredients for butter dumplings:
- 300 g flour
- 2 eggs
- 60 g butter (melted)
- 250 ml milk
- a little fresh dill (for flavor)
- salt, to taste
Preparation steps:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onion and bell pepper. You can chop or crush the garlic, depending on your preference. These vegetables will form the aromatic base of your goulash.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. When the butter starts to sizzle, add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. This step is essential as the caramelized vegetables will add a deep flavor to the goulash.
3. Add the spices: Sprinkle the paprika over the vegetables and quickly stir to release the aromas. Add a little water to prevent burning, then incorporate the chopped garlic, lemon juice, and salt, mixing well. Let everything simmer for 2 minutes.
4. The beef: Cut the beef into cubes about 3 cm in size. Add the meat to the pot along with the tomato paste and enough water to cover everything. Cover the pot and let the goulash simmer on low heat for 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally. The meat should become tender and absorb the delicious flavors.
5. Preparing the dumplings: In a bowl, place the flour, add a little salt and the eggs. Pour in the melted butter and mix well. Gradually add the milk, stirring until you obtain a homogeneous dough. The consistency should be slightly thicker than that of sour cream.
6. Boiling the dumplings: Place a large pot of water on the stove and bring it to a boil. Using a spoon, drop portions of dough onto a cutting board, forming similarly sized pieces. When the water starts boiling, cut the pieces of dough and throw them into the water. Let the dumplings boil until they rise to the surface (about 3-4 minutes). This indicates that they are ready.
7. Finishing the dumplings: Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and place them in a colander to drain. Rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. In a pan, melt a little butter, add the dumplings and chopped dill, then sauté them lightly until they become golden.
8. Serving: Serve the goulash hot, alongside the sautéed dumplings. Add a spoonful of cold sour cream on top of each serving for a creamy and delicious taste. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little fresh dill for a fresher look and taste.
Useful tips:
- If you want a spicier goulash, you can add some chili flakes or more hot paprika.
- It’s delicious to serve this goulash alongside a simple green salad to balance the rich flavors.
- You can keep the goulash in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and the flavor will intensify as it sits.
Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories: approximately 600 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fats: 30 g
This beef goulash with dumplings is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that brings family and friends together. Each bite will evoke warm memories and unforgettable moments. If you have questions or want to share how your recipe turned out, feel free to do so! Cooking is an art, and each recipe has its own story. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: Goulash: 400 g beef 2 onions 1 pepper 50 g butter 20 g paprika 4 cloves of garlic 1 small lemon tomato paste sour cream Dumplings with butter: 300 g flour 2 eggs 60 g butter 250 ml milk dill
