Lamb goulash, a take on a birka (mutton) gulyas from the Great Hungarian Plain, a simple and delicious soup packed with root veg and paprika.
True Hungarian goulash or gulyás is always a soup, and one that I became obsessed with during my 13 years living in the Hungarian countryside.
Hungarian Barany Gulyas
Goulash or gulyás, as it is called in Hungary, is a much-loved dish across central Europe.
No matter what you will read on the internet, the only hard rule for a true and "authentic" goulash is that it is invariably a soup and not a stew.
It is a spectrum of dishes if you like. I have a classic Alfoldi Hungarian Goulash that features little balls of homemade pasta (csipetke).
I also have a babgulyas recipe, which is a meat and bean goulash based on the dish served every year at the village day where we lived.
This lamb goulash recipe is based on a delicious birkagulyas. One that I used to order all the time from a local restaurant. That dish was made with mutton, although I have opted to use lamb here to make the dish more accessible.
A couple of other notable changes to a traditional goulash are the inclusion of parsnip and green pepper.
A "white" pepper would be traditionally used; it is common across central Europe. Green pepper is used as a sub here; you could add red or yellow peppers, but they add a little too much sweetness for my liking.
Secondly, the inclusion of parsnip is in place of the parsley root that would be used in Hungary. It does add sweetness, but I love the flavour. You could also use celeriac here.
If you want a Hungarian meat stew, check out my marha porkolt , a delicious beef stew and birkapörkölt or Hungarian Mutton Stew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use smoked paprika?
You can, however, it will be very different to any goulash that you get in Hungary.
Smoked paprika is only available in either specialist stores or big supermarkets in Hungary. It is never really used in Hungarian cooking.
What cut of lamb should I use?
I typically use a bit of lamb leg or shoulder. Lamb neck fillet also works well, although that seems to be stupidly expensive for what it is in the UK.
Why use lamb stock and water?
I use lamb stock to make up for the relative lack of flavour between lamb and mutton. It gives the dish a little boost, but don't use all lamb stock; it masks the flavour of the paprika.
Why do you cook the paprika on top of the ingredients rather than mix it through?
Despite its bold flavour, paprika is a delicate beast. Paprika is easy to burn, and that makes it bitter. Steaming it on top of the vegetables releases its flavour and, as a result, keeps it nice and sweet.
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, give this a couple of days in the fridge, and it will improve. It will store in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze this?
Technically, yes, but I find that the process of freezing dulls the flavours considerably, particularly of the paprika.
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve this lamb goulash recipe with some griddled bread that I have rubbed with a garlic clove.
I'd typically use something like a french stick and cut off a couple of slices.
Typically, in Hungary, dried hot peppers are served on the side of the dish and would be sprinkled on top if desired.
There is also a thick chilli paste called Eros Pista, which is essentially coarsely minced chilli peppers and salt.
I have taken to stirring sambal olek through some of my goulash dishes. It is definitely not Hungarian, but it adds a lovely flavour!
You can also add pasta.
Ignore folk who tell you that it is not done! There are dozens of "soup pastas" for sale in Hungary, and it is fairly common to bulk out goulash with them.
Equipment Used
I only mention specific brands of equipment if I think they make a material difference to a recipe. But if you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments section below the recipe.
- Hob/stovetop.
- 20-24cm or 8-10" heavy-based saucepan with a lid.
- Chopping board.
- Kitchen knife.
- A combination of weighing scales, a measuring jug, measuring cups and or spoons.
- Vegetable peeler.
- Stirring and serving spoons.
Hungarian Lamb Goulash Recipe
Ingredients
- 300 g Diced Lamb Shoulder 10oz
- 30 g Lard 2 tablespoon
- 1 Small-Medium Onion 100g
- 1 Medium Parsnip 100g
- 1 Small-Medium Potato 150g
- 1 Medium Carrot 100g
- 2 Small-Medium Tomatoes 100g each
- 1 Green Pepper
- 3 tablespoon Sweet Hungarian Paprika
- 500 ml Lamb Stock 2 Cups
- 250 ml Water 1 Cup
- ½ teaspoon Salt Keep tasting and add more if required
Instructions
- Cut the lamb into a 2cm (¾") dice.
- Peel and cut the onion into a 1cm (½") dice.
- Peel the potato and cut it into 2cm (¾") cubes.
- Chop the parsnip and carrot into a 1cm (½") dice.
- Cut each tomato into 8 wedges.
- Chop the green pepper into a 1cm (½") dice.
- Heat a heavy-based saucepan with a lid (20-24cm or 8-10") over a high heat and add the lard. Once the lard has melted, add the lamb and cook it for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chopped onion, parsnip, carrot, potato and salt, then cook for 5 minutes, stirring regularly.
- Turn the heat down to very low and sprinkle over the paprika, it is important that the paprika sits on top of the vegetables and not in the fat at the bottom of the pan. Then add a lid and cook gently for 10 minutes.
- Remove the lid, add the tomatoes, green pepper and then pour in the stock and water.
- Have a taste and add more salt as required, before simmering on low for 45-60 minutes.