Bosanski Gulaš od Divljači (Bosnian Game Goulash)
A hearty and flavorful goulash made with tender pieces of game meat, slow-cooked with onions, paprika, and a blend of aromatic spices. This dish showcases the rich hunting traditions and culinary heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Game meat (venison, wild boar, or rabbit)(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 3 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil or lard
- 3 tbsp Sweet paprika
- 1 tsp Hot paprika(or to taste)
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 1 liter Beef or game broth
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 tsp Dried marjoram
- 0.5 tsp Caraway seeds(crushed)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 200 g Optional: Root vegetables (carrots, parsnips)(chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the game meat dry and season generously with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the oil or lard over medium-high heat. Brown the meat in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Remove browned meat and set aside.
💡 Tip: Browning the meat is crucial for developing deep flavor. - 2
Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 10-15 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the sweet paprika, hot paprika, and flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and cook out the raw flour taste.
- 4
Gradually whisk in the broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, bay leaves, marjoram, and caraway seeds. Return the browned meat to the pot.
💡 Tip: Ensure all browned bits are scraped from the bottom for maximum flavor. - 5
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is very tender. Stir occasionally, adding more broth or water if the goulash becomes too thick.
💡 Tip: Low and slow cooking is key to tender game meat. - 6
If using root vegetables, add them during the last hour of cooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
💡 Tip: Add root vegetables later to prevent them from becoming mushy.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, marinate the game meat overnight in red wine with herbs.
- ✓If game meat is very lean, you can add a few strips of smoked bacon or pancetta to the pot for extra fat and flavor.
- ✓Serve with polenta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
🔄 Variations
- Add a splash of red wine to the broth for added depth.
- Include a diced bell pepper along with the onions for extra vegetable content.