The Austrian Goulash Soup (Wiener Gulaschsuppe)— spicier, richer, and slightly thicker

beef

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: pork

Chicken is leaner, while pork is often less expensive.

beef broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth reduces calories and is often cheaper.

paprika

🥗Healthier: smoked paprika

💰Cheaper: cayenne pepper

Smoked paprika adds depth without significant cost.

carrots

🥗Healthier: zucchini

💰Cheaper: frozen mixed vegetables

Zucchini is lower in calories, while frozen veggies are often cheaper.

Heat oil in a large pot until shimmering.

Cook onions slowly until deep golden, about 10 minutes.

Add minced garlic and stir.

Add sweet paprika and hot paprika, then return to heat.

Add beef cubes and stir to coat with onion and paprika mixture, browning for 5-6 minutes.

Add tomatoes or tomato puree, caraway seeds, marjoram, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

Optionally add red wine and cook for 2 minutes.

Pour in enough beef broth to cover everything and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer covered for 45-60 minutes until beef is tender.

Add diced potato and chopped bell pepper, adding more broth if needed to keep the soup slightly thick.

Simmer for an additional 20 minutes until potato is tender.

To thicken, mash a few potato cubes into the soup or mix 1 tsp flour with 1 tbsp water and strain in, simmering for 5 minutes.

Serve garnished with fresh parsley and optionally with sour cream or rustic bread.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: