Here’s a Vegetarian Goulash inspired by authentic Hungarian flavors 🇭🇺🥣
It stays true to the soul of gulyás: paprika-forward, hearty, rustic — just without the meat.
Vegetarian Hungarian Goulash (Gulyás-style)
Key notes on authenticity
- Paprika is the star (sweet Hungarian paprika, not smoked or hot by default)
- Caraway seeds are traditional
- No tomatoes or bell peppers in classic gulyás (those are later additions)
- Texture is more like a soup-stew, not thick like American goulash
Ingredients (4 servings)
- 3 tbsp sunflower oil or vegetable oil
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
- 1 tsp caraway seeds (lightly crushed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 parsnips or root parsley, sliced (traditional, if available)
- 2 medium potatoes, cubed
- 200 g (7 oz) mushrooms (optional but adds umami)
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1.2 liters (5 cups) vegetable stock or water
- Optional: pinch of hot paprika or chili for heat
Instructions
- Build the base
Heat oil in a heavy pot over medium heat.
Add onions and cook slowly until soft and lightly golden (10–15 minutes). This step is crucial. - Paprika moment (don’t burn it!)
Remove pot from heat. Stir in paprika and caraway seeds quickly.
Return to low heat immediately. - Aromatics
Add garlic, carrots, parsnips, mushrooms, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well. - Simmer
Pour in stock/water until vegetables are just covered.
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 20 minutes. - Potatoes last
Add potatoes and simmer another 15–20 minutes, until tender. - Rest & adjust
Taste and adjust seasoning. Goulash always tastes better after resting 10–15 minutes.
How Hungarians serve it
- With fresh bread or csipetke (small pinched noodles)
- No cream, no flour thickener
- Simple, rustic, deeply paprika-rich
Optional authentic tweaks
- Add celery root instead of mushrooms
- Use smoked salt very lightly if you miss meatiness
- A splash of dry white wine (not traditional, but common in home kitchens)
If you want, I can also share:
- 🇭🇺 Vegan version
- 🍄 Mushroom-heavy “pörkölt-style” goulash
- 🥖 Traditional csipetke recipe
Just say the word 😊
