Pork Goulash Stew: A Hearty and Flavorful Recipe

Pork goulash is a hearty, flavorful stew perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe focuses on creating a rich, deep flavor using readily available ingredients. It's a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. Let's dive into the delicious details!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust quantities as needed.

• 1.5 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes. Choosing a good cut of pork is key to a tender goulash.
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional, but adds sweetness and color)
• 2 tbsp paprika (sweet or smoked, depending on your preference) Paprika is the star spice in goulash!
• 1 tbsp caraway seeds
• 1 tsp marjoram
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth You can substitute chicken broth, but beef adds a richer flavor.
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil or other cooking oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Dumplings or noodles (optional, for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sear the Pork: Season the pork cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the pork cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. This step creates a delicious crust and adds depth of flavor. Set the browned pork aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Bloom the Spices: Stir in the paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to release their aromas. This step is crucial for developing the complex flavors of the goulash.

4. Combine Ingredients: Return the browned pork to the pot. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

5. Simmer the Stew: Bring the goulash to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 2 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Adjust Seasoning: After 2 hours, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pork goulash hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It's delicious served with dumplings, egg noodles, or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Tips for the Best Pork Goulash:

• Slow and Low: Low and slow cooking is key to tender pork. Don't rush the simmering process.
• Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking.
• Make it Ahead: Goulash tastes even better the next day! It's perfect for meal prepping.
• Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms.

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