Czech Goulash (gulášová) Soup with Homemade Bread Dumplings

Added by kocky, September 10, 2024
soups → beef-soup
Czech cuisine

Czech goulash soup is a rich, flavorful beef stew, spiced with paprika and garlic, commonly served with homemade bread dumplings. A must-try comfort food in Central European cuisine!

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Recipe:

Ingrediens

• 2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp lard or sunflower oil
• 3 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• 1 tbsp marjoram, dried
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp flour (for thickening)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup milk
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp salt
• 4-5 slices of day-old bread, cut into small cubes
• 1 tsp baking powder

Directions

1. Sauté the Onions:
2. Heat the lard in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Brown the Beef:
4. Add the beef cubes to the pot, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add Spices:
6. Stir in garlic, paprika, and caraway seeds. Mix well to coat the beef in spices. Allow the paprika to release its flavor by frying for 1 minute.
7. Add Flour and Broth:
8. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the tomato paste and bring the soup to a simmer.
9. Add Potatoes and Simmer:
10. Once the soup begins to boil, add the potato cubes. Reduce the heat, cover, and let the soup simmer on low for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef becomes tender.
11. Prepare the Dumplings:
12. While the soup simmers, prepare the dumplings. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix milk and egg. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet, then fold in the bread cubes.
13. Form and Cook Dumplings:
14. Shape the dough into small balls or logs. Boil a large pot of salted water and drop the dumplings in. Cook for 10-12 minutes, until they float to the surface. Remove and slice before serving.
15. Finish the Soup:
16. Once the beef is tender, stir in marjoram. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with sliced bread dumplings and garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Tips and Tricks

1. Paprika Quality Matters: Always use sweet Hungarian paprika for authentic flavor. Avoid smoked paprika as it can overpower the dish.
2. Low and Slow Cooking: Simmer the soup on low heat for tender beef and deep, rich flavors.
3. Reheat for Best Taste: Like many stews, goulash often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.
4. Bread Dumpling Consistency: Ensure the bread cubes in the dumplings are evenly sized to avoid soggy spots.

Historical & Cultural Overview

Czech goulash, or "guláš," shares its origins with the Hungarian dish, introduced to Central Europe in the 9th century. However, the Czech version is thicker and typically served with bread dumplings, a staple of the region. The dish symbolizes the hearty, rustic meals of the countryside and remains a favorite in Czech households today​

Reviews & Rating

Zanetka :

September 26, 2024

I love this pseoudo Goulash Soup :D From Mercedes company lunch.