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GOULASH, the hearty stew brimming with meat, vegetables and paprika, is a comfort food staple across much of Europe and beyond. The dish likely originated as a simple meal for Hungarian cattle herders, with the name "goulash" derived from the Hungarian word for cattleman. From those humble beginnings, goulash has evolved into an iconic Hungarian dish and a popular meal across continents. The basic recipe - beef or mutton stewed with onions and paprika - has spread far and wide, adapting to local tastes in each new location. Each region puts a distinctive spin on the dish, using different meats, vegetables and spices. Let's explore some of the most delicious goulash recipes found across the globe.
Hungary - The Home of Goulash
A visit to Hungary, where goulash reigns supreme, is a must for any goulash aficionado. Hungarian goulash (gulyás) stars beef, onions, and of course, plenty of paprika in a rich broth. Slices of potato are often added too. The meat is slowly simmered to tenderness, resulting in a hearty, comforting stew. Authentic Hungarian goulash uses generous amounts of good quality, fresh paprika to give it that characteristic deep red hue and mild peppery taste. Paprika is considered a national spice of sorts in Hungary.
Austria - A Close Cousin
Hop over to neighbouring Austria and you'll find another delicious goulash variety. The Austrian take (gulasch) is quite similar to the Hungarian version but often contains more vegetables like carrots. It may use pork or a mix of meats instead of just beef. The Austrian goulash is seasoned lightly, allowing the sweetness of the vegetables to shine through.
Germany - Hearty Fare
German goulash or gulasch draws inspiration from the Austrian and Hungarian styles but has evolved over the years. It can include beef, pork or veal simmered with onions, carrots, celery, bell peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes. What makes the German goulash distinctive is the addition of spices like caraway, marjoram, or bay leaf. These spices give the hearty soup an extra dimension of flavour.
Balkans - A Local Favourite
The Balkan region puts its own spin on goulash using a mix of beef and pork paired with onions, carrots, peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes. Sometimes smoked meats are used too. The Balkan goulash packs some heat, getting its kick from hot paprika and chili peppers. Fresh herbs like parsley and marjoram are used to balance the spicy taste.
Poland - Saucy Goodness
Polish gulasz has a delicious tomatoey sauce made from tomato puree or crushed tomatoes. Beef chuck is the preferred meat, slow-cooked with onions until very tender. Bell peppers, carrots, parsley, marjoram, and bay leaf are common ingredients too. The tomatoes make the Polish version of goulash rich, thick, and saucy.
Czech Republic - Paprika Perfected
The Czech goulash or guláš contains less vegetables than other versions. The focus is on large chunks of tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef simmered in a paprika-spiked broth. Caraway seeds add subtle aroma. The Czechs are purists when it comes to paprika, using only quality spice to achieve the right colour and flavour.
Slovakia - Sauerkraut Surprise
In Slovakia, you'll find goulash or guláš spiked with sauerkraut and served with bread dumplings. The tart, salty sauerkraut provides a nice contrast to the rich, meaty stew. Slovak goulash has a distinctive regional flair thanks to the beloved fermented cabbage.
Italy - Mediterranean Twist
Italian goulash takes the classic dish on a Mediterranean detour with the addition of garlic, red wine, canned tomatoes, and Italian herbs. Spaghetti or gnocchi are often cooked right in the goulash for an all-in-one meal. The red wine gives the Italian goulash a robust depth and ripe tomato profile.
Brazil - Local Inspiration
Brazilian goulash or goulash à brasileira contains familiar ingredients like beef, onions, tomatoes, and paprika but also draws inspiration from local cuisine. It may include bell peppers, peas, corn, olives, and bay leaves. The Brazilian version is sometimes made with less expensive beef cuts and served over rice, a Brazilian staple.
United States - The Melting Pot
American goulash is highly adaptable, with recipes varying by region and cultural influences. Midwestern goulash often contains ground beef, macaroni noodles, and tomatoes in a thick sauce. Southern goulash may include corn, bell peppers, and chili powder. Italian American goulash features tomatoes, garlic, and oregano. The diverse American goulash is a melting pot of traditions.
Australia - A Modern Twist
Australian goulash takes a modern approach by incorporating Asian and Mediterranean flavours. The base of the dish still features beef or lamb simmered with onions, carrots and paprika. But then Asian ingredients like ginger, garlic and soy sauce are added along with Mediterranean touches like olives, oregano and feta cheese. The result is a unique goulash with a distinctively Australian flavour profile.
This whirlwind tour gives a taste of the many savoury goulash varieties across the globe. From the classic Hungarian recipe to regional interpretations featuring local ingredients, goulash is the ultimate comfort food spanning cultures. Gather round the cooking pot on a cold day and dig into a steaming bowl of this hearty, soul-warming stew.
