Create a Comforting Creamy German Goulash for Dinner Tonight

Creamy German Goulash is a hearty, satisfying dish that embodies the rich flavors and comforting qualities of traditional German cuisine. This stew, with its tender beef, aromatic spices, and velvety cream sauce, is a true delight for the senses. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal on a chilly day or simply seeking to expand your culinary horizons, Creamy German Goulash is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

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Ingredients for Creamy German Goulash

The key to a flavorful and authentic Creamy German Goulash lies in the carefully selected ingredients. From the succulent beef chuck to the blend of fragrant spices, each component plays a vital role in creating the depth of flavor that makes this dish so irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp sweet paprika
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• 1/2 tsp marjoram
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup dry red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped
• 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Noodles or Spätzle, for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Creamy German Goulash

Brown the Beef

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear them until they’re nicely browned on all sides. Once the beef is seared, remove it from the pot and set it aside.

Cook the Onions and Spices

Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté them until they’re golden in color. Then, stir in the sweet paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, cayenne (if using), minced garlic, and tomato paste. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the spices to become fragrant.

Deglaze the Pot

Pour in the red wine (or extra beef broth if you prefer) and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let this simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to concentrate.

Build the Goulash Base

Return the seared beef to the pot, then add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and chopped bell peppers. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is tender.

Add the Potatoes

Stir the cubed potatoes into the goulash and continue cooking for another 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Make the Creamy Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk the sour cream with the all-purpose flour until smooth. Slowly stir this creamy mixture into the goulash and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Finish and Serve

Garnish your Creamy German Goulash with freshly chopped parsley and serve it hot, either over noodles, Spätzle, or with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping.

Tips for Perfecting Your Creamy German Goulash

To ensure your Creamy German Goulash turns out perfectly every time, here are a few additional tips and tricks:

• Choose the Right Beef: Opt for a well-marbled beef chuck, which will become wonderfully tender and flavorful after the long, slow cooking process.
• Enhance the Spices: Feel free to play with the spice blend, adding a bit more caraway or marjoram to suit your personal taste preferences.
• Adjust Consistency: If the goulash seems too thick, add a bit more beef broth; if it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer to allow the sauce to thicken.
• Storage and Reheating: Creamy German Goulash keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be easily reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy German Goulash

Creamy German Goulash is classically served over wide egg noodles or Spätzle (a type of German egg noodle), but it’s also delicious with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the rich, flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, pair it with a fresh green salad or some pickled vegetables to cut through the creaminess.

If you’re in the mood for a more creative presentation, try serving the goulash in individual bread bowls for a fun and rustic serving option. You can also use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches for a portable and satisfying lunch.

Nutritional Information for Creamy German Goulash

Creamy German Goulash is a hearty, protein-packed dish that also provides valuable nutrients from the vegetables and dairy components. A single serving (approximately 1 1/2 cups) contains approximately:

• Calories: 500
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 5g

For those following a gluten-free diet, this recipe can be easily adapted by substituting gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour used in the cream sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy German Goulash

What is the difference between German and Hungarian goulash?

The main differences between German and Hungarian goulash lie in the spices used and the overall consistency of the dish. German goulash typically features a creamier texture and utilizes spices like caraway and marjoram, while Hungarian goulash is more tomato-based and relies heavily on paprika for its signature flavor.

What cream goes in goulash?

In the case of Creamy German Goulash, the cream component comes from the addition of sour cream, which is whisked with a bit of all-purpose flour to create a luscious, velvety sauce that enriches the stew.

What is the difference between German and American goulash?

German goulash, like the Creamy German Goulash recipe provided here, is a hearty beef stew with a distinct blend of spices and a creamy texture. American goulash, on the other hand, is more akin to a pasta dish, with ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni noodles.

What is the secret to a good goulash?

The secret to a truly exceptional Creamy German Goulash lies in the patience and care taken during the cooking process. Allowing the beef to slowly braise until it’s fork-tender, letting the spices bloom and infuse the stew, and incorporating the creamy sour cream sauce all contribute to the rich, comforting flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Garlic Mushroom and Bacon Pasta
• Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta
• Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Conclusion

Creamy German Goulash is a comforting and flavorful dish that showcases the best of traditional German cuisine. With its tender beef, aromatic spices, and rich, velvety cream sauce, this stew is a true delight for the senses. Whether you serve it over noodles, Spätzle, or alongside crusty bread, Creamy German Goulash is sure to become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in the hearty, satisfying flavors of this beloved German classic.

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