Contents
Authentic Slovak Guláš (Goulash)
A rich and hearty Slovak guláš (goulash) slow-cooked to perfection with tender beef, paprika, and vegetables. Perfect for gatherings and outdoor cooking!
Ingredients
- 800 g beef (or pork, venison, or wild boar), cut into chunks
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp lard or vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp hot paprika (optional, for spice lovers)
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 large potatoes, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 liter beef broth (or water)
- 200 ml beer or red wine (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the lard or oil in a large pot. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in the garlic, caraway seeds, and both types of paprika. Cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the beef and sear on all sides until lightly browned.
- Pour in the beer or red wine (if using) and let it simmer for a few minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Add the diced potatoes, bell pepper, bay leaves, and beef broth.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Cover and simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once the meat is tender, remove the bay leaves and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
Guláš: The Hearty Slovak Goulash You Need to Try!
Guláš, or goulash, may have originated in Hungary, but it has become one of Slovakia's most beloved and iconic dishes. This rich, flavorful stew made with tender meat, vegetables, and fragrant spices is a staple of Slovak home cooking, outdoor gatherings, and traditional restaurants. Whether enjoyed on a cold winter night or at a summer festival, guláš is a dish that brings people together!
More Slovak recipes
A Hungarian Legacy with a Slovak Twist 🇸🇰🔥
While Hungarians claim goulash as their national dish, Slovakia has fully embraced it, creating unique regional variations that cater to local tastes and traditions. Slovak guláš is particularly popular in rural areas, mountain lodges, and outdoor events, where it is cooked in large quantities and shared among friends and family.Different Types of Slovak Guláš 🍲
Slovak guláš comes in several variations, each with its own distinctive touch. The most traditional and beloved type is: 🔥 Kotlíkový Guláš (Cauldron Goulash)- Cooked outdoors over an open fire in a large cast-iron pot
- Slow-cooked for hours, allowing the flavors to develop deeply
- Commonly prepared during hikes, festivals, and family gatherings
How is Slovak Guláš Made? 👩🍳
The secret to an amazing guláš lies in slow cooking, which allows the meat to become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors. Traditional Slovak guláš is made with: 🥩 Meat (beef, pork, venison, or wild boar) – Slow-cooked until it melts in your mouth 🧄 Onions & Garlic – The aromatic base of the stew 🌶 Paprika (sweet or hot) – The signature spice that gives guláš its reddish color and bold taste 🥔 Potatoes & Bell Peppers – Adding heartiness and a touch of natural sweetness 🌿 Caraway & Bay Leaves – Enhancing the depth of flavor 🍷 Beer or Red Wine (optional) – For extra richness
