Escape to the heart of Central Europe with this soul-warming Czech beef goulash that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience. Unlike its Hungarian cousin, Czech goulash boasts a thicker, richer consistency perfect for soaking up with bread or dumplings.
The Secret to Perfect Czech Goulash
What makes this dish truly special is the marriage of sweet paprika and slow-cooked beef, creating layers of flavour that develop beautifully over hours of gentle simmering. This is comfort food at its finest - the kind that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and warms you from the inside out.
Essential Ingredients You'll Need
- 1kg beef chuck steak, cubed
- 3 large onions, finely chopped
- 4 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
- 500ml beef stock
- 2 tablespoons tomato puree
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
- Brown the beef: Heat oil in a large heavy-based pot and sear the beef in batches until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Caramelise onions: In the same pot, cook the onions slowly until soft and golden - this sweet base is crucial for authentic flavour.
- Bloom the paprika: Stir in the paprika and caraway seeds, cooking for one minute until fragrant but not burnt.
- Combine and simmer: Return the beef to the pot, add garlic, tomato puree, bay leaves and enough stock to just cover the meat. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Slow cook to perfection: Cover and cook on low heat for 2-3 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
Serving Suggestions for the Complete Experience
Traditional Czech goulash demands proper accompaniments. Serve with knedlíky (bread dumplings) to soak up the rich sauce, or opt for crusty bread or boiled potatoes. A cold Czech pilsner makes the perfect beverage pairing, cutting through the richness while complementing the paprika notes.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This isn't just another stew - it's a culinary journey to Prague's cosy pubs and family kitchens. The magic happens during the slow cooking process, where tough beef transforms into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and flavours deepen into something truly extraordinary.
Pro tip: Like many stews, this goulash tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal preparation or entertaining when you want to get ahead.
