Hungarian Bean Goulash (Babgulyás) – Hearty Bean and Beef Soup

Ingredients:

• 300 g dried beans (or 2 cans, drained)
• 500 g beef, cut into cubes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp oil or lard
• 1–2 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
• 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 parsley root, sliced (optional)
• 2–3 potatoes, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped (or a little tomato purée)
• 1–1.5 liters water or beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. If using dried beans, soak them overnight, then drain.
2. Heat oil in a large pot, sauté the onion until soft.
3. Add garlic and paprika, stir quickly so it doesn’t burn.
4. Add beef cubes and cook until lightly browned.
5. Pour in water or broth, add beans, and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1–1.5 hours until meat and beans start to soften.
7. Add carrots, parsley root, potatoes, bell pepper, and tomato.
8. Continue cooking for another 30–40 minutes until everything is tender.
9. Season with salt and pepper, adjust to taste, and serve hot.