Vegetarian Goulash (Authentic Hungarian Recipe)

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❤️ Why you’ll love it

I always love a good one-pot meal, and this vegetarian Hungarian goulash is a hearty and comforting soup that is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. It is not only delicious but also simple to make, using basic ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store.

The combination of sweet paprika, caraway seeds, and garlic gives this soup a rich and deep flavor that is warm and satisfying, especially on a cold day. The use of root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips, not only adds a hearty texture to the soup but also makes it a nutritious and filling meal.

I love how versatile this recipe is. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or using whatever you have on hand. It is a great way to clean out your fridge and reduce food waste.

🧾 Key ingredients

This vegetarian goulash is a hearty, flavorful dish that is made with simple, plant-based ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store. You may even have some of these ingredients in your kitchen already.

Onions and garlic are the flavor base of this goulash. They add a deep, aromatic flavor that forms the foundation of the dish.

Potatoes, carrots, and parsnips are the primary vegetables in this goulash. They not only add a wonderful, hearty texture but also soak up the rich flavors of the broth and spices.

Kidney beans are a great source of plant-based protein in this dish. Since it was a peasant’s dish, they used beans instead of meat since it was cheaper and available.

Sweet paprika and tomato paste are essential for that signature goulash flavor. The sweet paprika adds a rich, sweet pepper flavor, while the tomato paste provides a hint of tanginess.

Parsley is a classic herb in goulash. It adds a fresh, herby note to the dish.

Caraway seeds are a traditional ingredient in Hungarian goulash. They have a unique earthy flavor that is a signature of this dish.

🛒 You can find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

🥘 Equipment

For this hearty vegetarian goulash, a reliable stockpot is an absolute must. I recommend using a large, sturdy stockpot as this recipe makes a generous amount of soup.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Preparing the ingredients

STEP 1
Start by peeling and chopping one onion and three cloves of garlic. These will be used to add flavor to your goulash.

STEP 2
Next, wash and chop four medium-sized potatoes. Remember to leave the skin on for added nutrients.

Making the vegetarian goulash

STEP 1
Heat your stockpot to medium heat and add two tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and cook for one to two minutes.

STEP 2
Then, add the sliced carrots and parsnips to the pot. Stir and cook for about five to six minutes.

STEP 3
Add the chopped garlic, half a teaspoon of salt, a pinch of black pepper, one teaspoon of dried parsley, and one teaspoon of caraway seeds. Stir everything together and cook for another two to three minutes.

STEP 4
Now, it’s time to add the flavor base to your goulash. Add two tablespoons of sweet paprika powder and two tablespoons of tomato or goulash paste to the pot. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.

STEP 5
Pour in six cups of vegetable broth and stir. Let the soup cook for about five minutes.

STEP 6
Add the diced potatoes to the pot and cook for another five minutes.

STEP 7
Finally, add two cups of cooked or canned beans. Stir everything together and cook for another five minutes. Your vegetarian goulash is now ready to serve.

💡 Expert tip

Chop your vegetables evenly to ensure they cook properly. Start by adding the carrots and parsnips, as they take the longest to cook, and then the potatoes. This way, all your vegetables will be ready at the same time, and your goulash will be perfectly balanced.

🔄 Variations

If you are a fan of spicy food, consider adding some hot chili powder or chili flakes to this vegan goulash. This will give your dish a fiery kick and add a new dimension of flavor to the recipe.

If you want to incorporate more vegetables into this dish, consider adding mushrooms. They will not only contribute to the texture but also add a rich, savory flavor that complements the other ingredients.

You can also experiment with different types of beans. Chickpeas, black beans, or cannellini beans would all work well in this recipe and add a unique twist.

🥣 Serving ideas

This vegetarian goulash is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It is a hearty and comforting soup that is perfect for a main course. I like to serve it with a side of crusty bread. It is a traditional way to enjoy this soup and is a great way to soak up the delicious broth.

This soup can also be served as a starter to a more substantial meal. It is a great way to whet your appetite before a main course. It can be served with a variety of main dishes, such as a Hungarian mushroom stew or any of these vegetarian stews.

❄️ Storing tips

Storing and reheating this vegan goulash is a simple process, and it may even enhance the flavors, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for busy weeknights.

To store, allow the goulash to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four to five days without any compromise in the quality or flavor.

The dish freezes exceptionally well and can be kept in the freezer for up to a couple of months in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.

To reheat, if it is frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat. If you are reheating it from the refrigerator, you can also use the microwave. Just be sure to stir it occasionally to guarantee even reheating.

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