Quick Hungarian Pork Goulash (40 Minutes)

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Pork goulash is a hearty and flavorful stew that is perfect for cool or rainy nights. Originating from Hungary, this dish is made with tender pork, onions, paprika, and other savory spices. Traditionally, goulash is a slow-cooked dish that takes hours to prepare, but this recipe has been simplified to be ready in just 40 minutes. The result is a delicious and comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy. 

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound boneless pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork cubes and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the pork from the pot and set it aside.
  2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the paprika, caraway seeds, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the tomato paste and stir well to combine. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Add the browned pork and sliced red bell pepper to the pot and stir to combine. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the pork is cooked through and the peppers are tender.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

For a more traditional goulash, you can substitute the pork for beef, and use sweet or smoked paprika. To make this dish spicier, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Serve this hearty stew with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors will only intensify over time. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 252
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 673mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 84mg

Pair this with...

Homemade Boule Loaf

Grab 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 packet (or 2 ¼ tsp) of active dry yeast, about 1 ½ cups warm water, and 1 ½ tsp salt. Dissolve that yeast in warm water and let it sit until it's foamy, around 5 minutes. Now, mix in the flour and salt, get your hands dirty, and knead until smooth. Let the dough rise in a cozy spot until it's doubled in size, about an hour. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Shape your dough into a ball and score the top with an "X" or design of your choosing. Bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool and enjoy the magic of homemade bread.

Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Begin with some ripe tomatoes and slice them into wedges. Take a cucumber and cut it into thin rounds. Mix them together in a bowl. Add a bit of olive oil and a splash of vinegar—red or white wine vinegar works best. Season with some salt and pepper to taste. If you've got some basil or dill on hand, you can chop that up and throw it in too.

Homemade Unsweetened Iced Tea

Begin by choosing a quality black, green, or herbal tea – your preference will set the tone. Bring a pot of fresh water to a gentle boil and steep your tea bags or loose leaves, letting the tea brew a bit stronger than if you were making it hot, as it will mellow when chilled. Once you’ve achieved that deep, aromatic infusion, remove the tea and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer your tea to a pitcher and pop it into the fridge to cool down and intensify the flavors. When serving, fill a glass with ice cubes, pour over the chilled tea, and maybe add a slice of lemon or sprig of mint for a touch of flair.

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