Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Hungarian Goulash Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty meal that fits your low-carb lifestyle, you’ll absolutely love this Low Carb Hungarian Goulash recipe. It combines tender beef with rich flavors that’ll warm your soul.
I can’t get enough of the sweet Hungarian paprika that adds a unique depth, while the tender chunks of meat practically melt in your mouth. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—just toss everything into a pot or slow cooker.
The aroma that fills my kitchen is irresistible. Not only is it satisfying, but it also keeps my carbs in check, making it a go-to comfort dish for me.
Ingredients of Low Carb Hungarian Goulash
When it comes to whipping up a delicious and satisfying meal, the ingredients for Low Carb Hungarian Goulash play a starring role. You’ll find that they come together to create a warm, flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Plus, the best part? Most of these ingredients are likely already hanging out in your pantry or fridge, just waiting to be transformed into something delightful. Let’s explore what you’ll need for this comforting recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- Vegetables of your choice
Now, a quick note about the ingredients: while this recipe is quite flexible, you can really make it your own.
Maybe you love bell peppers or zucchini—toss them in! Just keep in mind that if you add extra veggies, you may want to adjust your cooking time slightly.
And if you’re not a fan of beef, you could easily swap in chicken or even some hearty mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Cooking is all about finding what works for you and your taste buds, right?
How to Make Low Carb Hungarian Goulash
Alright, let’s plunge into making that delicious Low Carb Hungarian Goulash. First off, grab your 1/3 cup of olive oil and heat it in a large pot over medium heat. As the oil warms up, slice your onion—don’t worry if you shed a tear or two; it happens to the best of us. Toss the sliced onion and 1 minced garlic clove into the pot and let them cook until they’re soft and fragrant. You’ll want to stir frequently, so they don’t stick to the bottom and burn.
Once they’re perfectly tender, go ahead and remove them from the pot and set them aside.
Next up, it’s time to brown the meat. You’ll need 3 lbs of beef stew meat, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes. Add those juicy pieces of beef to the pot, making sure not to crowd them; you want them to sear nicely. Let them cook until they’re browned on all sides.
Now, here’s where the magic happens: combine the browned meat with your sautéed onions and garlic in a crock pot. Add in 2 tablespoons of sweet Hungarian paprika, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1 (6 ounce) can of tomato paste, and 1 1/2 cups of water or chicken broth. Toss in 2 bay leaves too, for that aromatic touch.
If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some vegetables of your choice—bell peppers, zucchini, whatever tickles your fancy. Now, set your crock pot to low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Just imagine the wonderful aroma filling your home as it cooks. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, isn’t it?
Once your goulash is done cooking, you can serve it up and enjoy. It’s hearty, comforting, and low carb—what more could you ask for? I personally love to serve mine with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top, but that’s just me.
And remember, if you’ve got leftovers (which you probably won’t because it’s that good), they make for great lunches. So, roll up your sleeves, get in there, and let’s make some goulash that’ll impress everyone around the dinner table. Happy cooking!
Low Carb Hungarian Goulash Substitutions & Variations
After savoring that comforting bowl of Low Carb Hungarian Goulash, you might wonder how to personalize it even further.
I love experimenting with different proteins; chicken or turkey work beautifully too. For a vegetarian twist, I substitute the meat with mushrooms or hearty vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
If you’re missing that rich flavor, adding a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce can do wonders.
Don’t forget to adjust the spices to your taste—maybe a dash of cayenne for heat or a sprinkle of caraway seeds for a unique twist.
Enjoy making it your own!
Additional Tips & Notes
To enhance your Low Carb Hungarian Goulash experience, I recommend preparing it a day in advance.
Letting the flavors meld overnight really makes a difference. When serving, consider pairing it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that extra touch.
If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes during cooking.
Remember, you can easily customize the veggies based on what you have on hand.
Finally, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste; cooking is all about personal preference, after all.
Enjoy your delicious goulash!