Hungarian Pork and Sauerkraut Goulash / Szekely Gulyas
🇭🇺 Hungarian Pork & Sauerkraut Goulash
Székely Gulyás – Traditional Comfort Food
Despite the name, Székely Gulyás is closer to a creamy pork stew than a soup. It’s one of Hungary’s most beloved dishes—tender pork, sweet paprika, tangy sauerkraut, and sour cream, slow-simmered into pure comfort. Even better the next day ❤️
🥩 Ingredients
2 lbs (900 g) pork shoulder, cubed
2 large onions, finely chopped
3 tbsp lard or oil
2 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
1 tsp caraway seeds, lightly crushed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
2 cups sauerkraut, lightly rinsed & squeezed
1½ cups pork or beef broth
Salt & black pepper, to taste
To Finish
½–¾ cup sour cream
1 tbsp flour (optional, traditional thickener)
🍲 Instructions
1️⃣ Onions first (very important) Heat lard/oil in a heavy pot. Cook onions slowly until soft and lightly golden.
2️⃣ Paprika step Remove pot from heat. Stir in paprika quickly so it doesn’t burn.
3️⃣ Add pork & spices Return to heat. Add pork, garlic, caraway, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook until pork is lightly browned.
4️⃣ Simmer Add broth just to cover meat. Cover and simmer gently 60–75 minutes, until pork is tender.
5️⃣ Add sauerkraut Stir in sauerkraut. Simmer 20–30 minutes more.
6️⃣ Creamy finish Mix sour cream with flour (if using). Stir into goulash. Simmer 5 minutes until rich and creamy.
