Description
A hearty and traditional Czech Goulash (Cesky Gulas) recipe featuring tender stewed beef simmered in a rich, paprika-spiced sauce with onions and garlic. This comforting dish is slow-cooked to perfection, making it ideal for cozy meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, chopped
- 3 lbs stewed beef, cut into ½ inch cubes
- 4 to 6 tablespoons Hungarian paprika (fresh is best)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons Wondra flour
- Water, enough to cover the meat
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and the onions begin to soften. Then add the stewed beef cubes and brown them on all sides to lock in flavor.
- Add spices and thickeners: Sprinkle the Hungarian paprika over the browned beef and stir thoroughly to coat the meat evenly. Next, add the Wondra flour and tomato paste, stirring just until the liquid is absorbed and no lumps form.
- Simmer the goulash: Pour in enough water to cover the meat plus a little extra. Stir well to blend the flour and avoid clumps. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for about two hours, allowing the sauce to thicken and the beef to become tender and fall apart.
- Finish and serve: Once the sauce has reached a thick consistency and the meat is tender, the goulash is ready to serve. Adjust seasoning if needed and enjoy hot with your preferred sides, like bread or dumplings.
Notes
- Using fresh Hungarian paprika is recommended for the best flavor.
- Wondra flour helps to thicken the sauce quickly and evenly without lumps.
- Simmering the goulash slowly is essential to tenderize the meat and develop flavors.
- Optional side dishes include boiled potatoes, bread dumplings, or rye bread.
- This recipe can be adjusted by adding bell peppers or caraway seeds to vary the flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Czech
Keywords: Czech Goulash, Cesky Gulas, Beef Stew, Hungarian Paprika, Traditional Czech Recipe, Hearty Stew
