Description
This easy Hungarian Goulash recipe combines smoked turkey bacon and a rich blend of spices for a comforting, hearty meal full of smoky warmth and vibrant flavors. Perfect for chilly evenings or meal prep, it offers tender vegetables simmered in a savory broth with a touch of tang and traditional Hungarian character in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats and Proteins
- 200g smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika (natural)
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
Liquids and Others
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent, dissolved in cold water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Preparing the Base: Start by finely chopping the onion and garlic. Cook the smoked turkey bacon over medium heat in a large pot until crisp, then remove it and set aside. Use the rendered fat to sauté the onions until translucent and slightly caramelized. Add the garlic toward the end and cook briefly to avoid burning.
- Building Flavor with Spices: Stir in the sweet paprika (natural) and caraway seeds immediately after the onions, cooking for about one minute to release their aromas. Add the tomato paste (natural) and cook briefly to deepen the flavors.
- Adding Vegetables and Liquids: Add chopped bell peppers, carrots, potatoes, and fresh tomatoes to the pot. Stir well, then pour in the vegetable broth and apple cider vinegar. Add bay leaves and return the smoked turkey bacon to the pot. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
- Simmering to Perfection: Cover the pot and let the goulash simmer on low heat for 45 minutes to an hour, or until vegetables are tender and flavors have fully blended. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Final Touches: If you prefer a thicker stew, dissolve a little natural gelling agent in cold water and stir it into the pot. Cook for a few more minutes to thicken. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Notes
- Cook at a gentle simmer to develop deep flavor and tender texture.
- Use fresh paprika (natural) stored in a cool, dark place for best taste.
- Adding spices early and cooking briefly releases full flavor potential.
- Let stew rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to enhance taste and thickness.
- Apple cider vinegar balances the richness and brightens overall flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Hungarian Goulash, smoked turkey bacon, paprika, comforting stew, gluten free, plant-based options
