Are you craving a comforting, flavorful, and healthy meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This goulash recipe with vegetables is the perfect answer. Forget those heavy, meat-laden versions; this lighter take on a classic still delivers all the rich, satisfying goodness you expect, packed with nutritious vegetables and bursting with delicious spices. It's a fantastic option for a quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights, and a recipe that will quickly become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. Let's dive into this delicious and easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 1 lb stew beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp paprika (sweet or smoked, to your preference)
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- 1 tsp marjoram
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 large potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. This step builds a flavorful base for your goulash.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the beef cubes to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. This helps to develop a deeper, richer flavor. Don't overcrowd the pot; work in batches if necessary.
Step 3: Add Spices and Tomatoes
Stir in the paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aroma. This is a crucial step for enhancing the overall flavor profile of your goulash. Then, add the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
Step 4: Simmer the Goulash
Pour in the beef broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the beef is tender. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
Step 5: Add Potatoes and Zucchini
After an hour, add the potatoes and zucchini to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes and zucchini are tender.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season the goulash with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This hearty and healthy dish is delicious on its own or served with a side of crusty bread.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in beef stew meat.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, green beans, or corn.
- If you prefer a thicker goulash, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 15 minutes to reduce the sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with 1 cup of lentils or 1 block of firm tofu, cubed.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated easily.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes, but a typical serving of this vegetable goulash offers a good source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. It’s a healthy and satisfying meal option compared to traditional, heavier versions. For precise nutritional data, we recommend using an online nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients.
This easy goulash recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy food recipes that are quick to prepare. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy!