Gulyásleves (Hungarian Goulash Soup)

  • Total Time - 2 hours
  • Servings: 6
  • Country: Hungary
Gulyásleves - Hungarian Goulash Soup

Gulyásleves, meaning 'goulash soup', is one of Hungary’s most beloved national dishes. Unlike the thicker pörkölt or paprikás, gulyásleves is a soup made with broth, beef, vegetables, and Hungarian paprika.

It originated from the Hungarian plains (puszta), where herdsmen cooked it over open fires in kettles. Today, it’s a staple in homes and restaurants, offering warming comfort and rich flavor.

Ingredients

  • 700 g beef (shoulder or shank), cut into cubes
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
  • 1 tsp caraway seeds
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 green pepper, sliced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 parsnip, diced
  • 100 g celery root (celeriac), diced
  • 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 tbsp lard or vegetable oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 l water

Instructions

Heat oil in a large pot. Add onions and sauté until golden.

Add garlic and caraway, stir until fragrant.

Remove from heat, stir in paprika.

Add beef cubes and brown on all sides.

Add tomatoes, green pepper, and cover with water.

Simmer for about 1 hour.

Add vegetables and cook until tender.

Season and serve hot, optionally with csipetke (small dumplings).