Prekmurska Goulash Soup
A hearty and flavorful goulash soup originating from the Prekmurje region of Slovenia. It's characterized by its rich paprika flavor, tender meat, and a variety of vegetables, making it a substantial and comforting dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef(chuck or stewing beef, cut into 2-3 cm cubes)
- 3 large Onions(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 tbsp Sweet paprika
- 1 tsp Hot paprika(or to taste)
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 1 medium Parsnip(diced)
- 2 medium Potatoes(diced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned, diced)
- 1.5 l Beef broth
- 1 tsp Marjoram(dried)
- 0.5 tsp Caraway seeds
- 1 Bay leaf
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, then set aside.
💡 Tip: Do not overcrowd the pot; browning in batches ensures a good sear. - 2
Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 10-15 minutes.
⏱️ 15 minutes💡 Tip: Slowly cooking the onions develops their sweetness. - 3
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 4
Stir in the sweet and hot paprika, cooking for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Be careful not to burn the paprika.
⏱️ 30 seconds💡 Tip: Paprika burns easily, which can make it bitter. - 5
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add diced carrots, parsnip, diced tomatoes, beef broth, marjoram, caraway seeds, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure the liquid covers the meat and vegetables. - 6
Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1.5 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
⏱️ 1.5 hours💡 Tip: Low and slow cooking is key for tender meat. - 7
Add the diced potatoes to the pot and continue to simmer, covered, for another 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 8
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. - 9
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use good quality beef for the best flavor and tenderness.
- ✓Don't skip browning the meat; it adds depth of flavor.
- ✓Adjust the amount of hot paprika to your preference for spice.
- ✓This soup is even better the next day as the flavors meld.
🔄 Variations
- Add a diced bell pepper along with the carrots and parsnip.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot.
- Serve with fresh bread for dipping.