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Gulyasleves

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This classic Hungarian Gulyasleves is a robust and comforting soup that warms the soul on chilly days. Built around tender cubes of beef simmered in a deeply flavorful broth, it features the distinctive warmth of sweet paprika and earthy caraway seeds. The dish is rounded out with soft potatoes, tomatoes, and fresh vegetables, creating a perfect balance of textures. Traditionally finished with csipetke, small pinched dumplings added directly to the pot, it offers a satisfying, rustic meal. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, this soup requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor through slow simmering.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 4
Calories: 1310.5
Description
This classic Hungarian Gulyasleves is a robust and comforting soup that warms the soul on chilly days. Built around tender cubes of beef simmered in a deeply flavorful broth, it features the distinctive warmth of sweet paprika and earthy caraway seeds. The dish is rounded out with soft potatoes, tomatoes, and fresh vegetables, creating a perfect balance of textures. Traditionally finished with csipetke, small pinched dumplings added directly to the pot, it offers a satisfying, rustic meal. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, this soup requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor through slow simmering.
Ingredients
  • 1 Large Onion
  • 1 Red Bell pepper
  • 4 ounce Lard (oil)
  • 1 pound Beef cut in small cubes
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground pepper
  • 2 teaspoon Paprika powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Caraway seeds
  • 2 Large Potato
  • 1 Large Tomato
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 1 tablespoon Chopped parsley
  • 6 cups Hot water
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt (for dough)
  • 1 teaspoon Oil (for dough)
Directions
  1. 1
    Dice the onion and bell pepper finely.
  2. 2
    Heat the lard in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  3. 3
  4. 4
    Increase heat to medium-high and add the cubed beef to the pot.
  5. 5
    Brown the beef cubes thoroughly, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until sizzling and sealed.
  6. 6
    Reduce heat briefly and stir in the paprika powder, ensuring it coats the meat and vegetables without burning.
  7. 7
    Add the diced tomato, salt, ground pepper, caraway seeds, and bay leaf.
  8. 8
    Pour in 6 cups of hot water, stirring to combine all ingredients.
  9. 9
    Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 45 minutes.
  10. 10
    Peel and dice the potatoes, then add them to the simmering soup.
  11. 11
    Continue cooking covered until the potatoes and beef are tender, approximately 20-25 minutes.
  12. 12
    Meanwhile, prepare the csipetke dough by mixing one egg, 3 tablespoons flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon oil into a stiff dough.
  13. 13
    Pinch off small pea-sized pieces of the dough and drop them directly into the simmering soup.
  14. 14
    Cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes until the dumplings float to the surface and are cooked through.
  15. 15
    Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  16. 16
    Ladle into bowls and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 1310.5kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 119.8g185%
Saturated Fat 46.2g231%
Cholesterol 88.5mg30%
Sodium 2529.1mg106%
Total Carbohydrate 28.3g10%
Dietary Fiber 9.1g37%
Sugars 2.4g
Protein 33.0g66%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Csipetke Dough Tip: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it's too dry, add a few drops of water. The dough should be firm enough to hold its shape when pinched.

Paprika Selection: Use high-quality Hungarian sweet paprika for the best flavor. Avoid adding paprika to boiling liquid as it can become bitter; add it to the fat and meat just before adding the liquid.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve after resting overnight. Reheat gently on the stove.

Variations: Some regions add sour cream to the bowl just before serving for extra richness. You can also add carrots or zucchini for additional vegetables.

Keywords: hungarian, beef, soup, stew, paprika, caraway, potato, csipetke, dumplings, comfort food, winter, hearty, traditional, one pot
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/gulyasleves/