Beef Goulash with Spaetzle
Introduction
Beef Goulash with Spaetzle is a hearty and comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. This traditional meal comes from Central Europe and combines tender beef with a rich, flavorful sauce. Paired with Spaetzle, a type of soft egg noodle, this dish creates a satisfying experience for anyone at the dinner table.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Beef Goulash with Spaetzle. First, it is a perfect dish for gatherings or family dinners. It’s filling and appeals to both adults and kids alike. Additionally, it’s a great way to enjoy tender beef cooked slowly to absorb all the flavors. Plus, making Spaetzle from scratch adds a fun twist to your cooking routine!
How to Make Beef Goulash with Spaetzle
Ingredients:
- 800 g (1.75 lb) stewing beef, cubed
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 onions, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika
- 500 ml (2 cups) beef broth
- 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tsp flour (for thickening, optional)
- 300 g (2.5 cups) flour (for Spaetzle)
- 3 eggs
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) milk or water
- Salt (for Spaetzle)
Directions:
- Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot. Add the cubed beef and brown it on all sides. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the sliced onions and minced garlic until they become soft and translucent.
- Stir in the tomato paste and sweet paprika, mixing well with the onions and garlic.
- Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Add the caraway seeds, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 90 minutes until the beef is tender. If you like a thicker sauce, mix the flour with a bit of water and stir it into the pot to thicken.
- While the goulash is simmering, prepare the Spaetzle. In a bowl, mix the flour, eggs, salt, and milk or water until you have a sticky dough.
- Use a Spaetzle maker or a colander to press the dough through into boiling salted water. Once the Spaetzle float to the surface, they are done. Remove them and rinse with cold water.
- Serve the beef goulash over the Spaetzle for a tasty meal.
How to Serve Beef Goulash with Spaetzle
Serve Beef Goulash hot, ladled generously over a bed of Spaetzle. You can garnish it with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. A side of pickles or crusty bread can also complement this dish well.
How to Store Beef Goulash with Spaetzle
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If you have extra Spaetzle, you can store it separately and warm it up when you are ready to eat.
Tips to Make Beef Goulash with Spaetzle
- For the best flavor, use good quality beef broth.
- Let the goulash simmer longer if you have time; it makes the beef even more tender.
- If you don’t have a Spaetzle maker, you can use a potato ricer or even a cutting board to push the dough into the boiling water.
Variation
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the goulash for extra nutrition and flavor. Additionally, try swapping the Spaetzle for mashed potatoes or noodles if you prefer.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Yes, you can substitute the stewing beef with pork or even chicken if you like a lighter dish.
Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: You can use mushrooms or a mix of vegetables in place of beef. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.
Q: Is there a way to speed up the cooking time?
A: You can use a pressure cooker to cook the beef faster, reducing the simmering time significantly.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, beef goulash freezes well. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
