Beef goulash

Babgulyás: A Hungarian Soup Full of Flavors and Tradition

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Introduction
Babgulyás is more than just a simple soup; it is a true culinary experience that takes you through the rich traditions of Hungarian gastronomy. This is a hearty soup, full of flavors and with a texture that reminds you of the most beautiful moments spent with loved ones. It is perfect for cool days when you need something warm and comforting. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this special dish!

Necessary ingredients
- 1.5 kg veal bone with meat (ideally from the shoulder)
- 150 g freshly smoked bacon
- 100 ml oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 1 kg large beans (preferably pre-cooked, from the freezer)
- 5 small carrots
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 2 medium onions
- 2 large tomatoes
- 2 potatoes
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 parsley root
- 1 small celery
- 10 black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 2 tablespoons pepper and celery paste
- 2 teaspoons Himalayan salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon Eros Pista (spicy pepper paste)
- 1 sprig of thyme
- 1 sprig of marjoram
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Preparing Babgulyás

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by cleaning and chopping all the vegetables. The onion and carrots can be finely chopped, while the potatoes and red bell pepper should be cut into small cubes. The parsley root and celery can also be chopped. This step will save you time and help you enjoy cooking.

2. Boiling the veal bone
Place the veal bone in a pressure cooker, add water and salt, then let it boil for about 30 minutes. This step will help the meat become extremely tender, releasing its flavors into the water.

3. Sautéing the vegetables
In a large pot, add the oil and sauté the onion and carrots until they become translucent. Then, add the red bell pepper, celery, and parsley root. Sauté the vegetables for a few minutes, making sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking.

4. Adding the spices
Now is the time to add the paprika and spicy pepper paste. Be careful not to sauté the paprika too much, as it can become bitter. Add the chopped tomatoes and smoked bacon, then mix well.

5. Cooking the soup
Add the water from boiling the veal bone (about 1 liter) to the pot. Then, add the diced potatoes, peppercorns, bay leaves, marjoram, thyme, and cumin. Let everything boil for 20 minutes.

6. Adding the bone and beans
After 20 minutes, add the bone with meat and the pre-cooked beans. Stir gently and let it boil together for another 30 minutes, until the vegetables are well cooked. Taste the soup and adjust the salt if necessary.

7. Serving
Once the soup is ready, pour it into deep bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Babgulyás is served hot, alongside freshly baked bread and, for the more adventurous, with red onion and hot peppers on the table.

Serving suggestions
This dish is ideal to be served with a fresh summer salad or assorted pickles. Additionally, a cold beer or a dry white wine can perfectly complement the culinary experience.

Nutritional benefits
Babgulyás is a protein-rich recipe due to the veal and beans, providing a consistent intake of fiber and essential nutrients from the vegetables. It is an excellent choice for a hearty meal, especially on cooler days.

Tips and variations
To customize this recipe, you can add other vegetables such as zucchini or cauliflower. You can also experiment with other types of meat, such as pork or chicken. If you like a spicier taste, you can add more Eros Pista or even some fresh hot peppers.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the best type of meat for Babgulyás?
It is recommended to use veal, but you can adapt the recipe to your preferences with pork or poultry.

2. Can I use canned beans?
Yes, but make sure to rinse them well before adding them to the soup.

3. How can I make Babgulyás easier?
Using a bone with meat and cooking in a pressure cooker will significantly reduce the preparation time.

4. Is Babgulyás suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe using tofu or vegetables instead of meat and omit the bacon.

5. How long does Babgulyás last?
It can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and the flavor will become even better as it sits.

Conclusion
Babgulyás is a perfect choice for a family meal or a gathering with friends. With each spoonful, you will enjoy a blend of flavors and textures that will warm your heart and soul. So put on your apron and let’s enjoy this Hungarian delicacy together!

 Ingredients: 1.5 kg veal bones with meat, 150 g fresh smoked bacon, 100 ml oil, 1 kg large pre-cooked beans [personally grown from the freezer], 5 small carrots, 5 cloves of garlic, 2 onions, 2 tomatoes, 2 potatoes, 1 red bell pepper, 1 parsley root, 1 small celery, 10 black peppercorns, 2 bay leaves, 2 teaspoons red paprika, 2 tablespoons pepper and celery paste, 2 teaspoons Himalayan salt, 2 pinches cumin powder, 1 teaspoon Eros Pista hot pepper paste, 1 sprig of thyme, 1 sprig of marjoram, fresh parsley.

 Tags:  beef goulash