Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite dishes: Egyptian Beef Goulash! This hearty stew is a warm hug in a bowl, bursting with rich flavors and tender beef. The first time I tried it, I was transported to a bustling Egyptian kitchen, filled with the aroma of spices mingling together. What I love most about this dish is how it combines simple ingredients like beef, potatoes, and vibrant spices like cumin and paprika, creating something truly special. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or when you’re impressing guests with a taste of Egyptian cuisine. Trust me, once you dig into this savory, comforting stew, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds (or thirds!). So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious Egyptian Beef Goulash. I promise, it’s all simple stuff you can find easily at the grocery store. Let’s dive in!
- 2 lbs beef: Make sure to cut it into cubes; chuck roast works great for this stew as it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This will help to brown the beef and add a lovely richness to the stew.
- 1 onion, chopped: A medium onion is perfect; it adds sweetness as it cooks down.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic base—don’t skimp on it!
- 2 carrots, diced: Chop them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and add a nice sweetness.
- 2 potatoes, diced: I love using Yukon Gold for their creamy texture, but any kind will do.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: A red or green bell pepper adds color and flavor; just remove the seeds and dice it up.
- 1 can diced tomatoes: This gives the goulash a lovely acidity; go for ones without added salt if you can.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: For a deeper tomato flavor, you’ll want to incorporate this into the mix.
- 2 teaspoons cumin: This is where the magic happens! Cumin brings that earthy warmth we all love.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Use sweet paprika for a hint of smokiness—fantastic in this dish!
- 1 teaspoon coriander: It complements the cumin beautifully and adds a fresh touch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always adjust to your liking; seasoning is key!
- 4 cups beef broth: This will be the base of your stew, making it rich and hearty. Homemade broth if you have it is the best!
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end brightens up the whole dish.
How to Prepare Egyptian Beef Goulash
Now, let’s get down to the fun part—bringing this delicious Egyptian Beef Goulash to life! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a hearty stew that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 1: Sauté the Beef
Start by heating those 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it nice and hot, but not smoking! Once it’s shimmering, toss in the beef cubes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot; you want them to brown nicely without steaming. Let them sizzle for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown on all sides. This caramelization is key to building flavor!
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Next up, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes, just until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Oh, that smell! Now, stir in the diced carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, letting the vegetables soften a bit and mingle with that beefy goodness.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, coriander, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all up so every piece of beef and veggie is coated in those spices. Pour in the 4 cups of beef broth and give it a good stir. Bring this beautiful mixture to a boil—just wait for that bubbling magic to happen!
Step 4: Simmer
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is where the magic truly unfolds! The longer it simmers, the more those flavors develop and the beef becomes tender. Just peek in occasionally to give it a little stir and make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom. Your kitchen is going to smell heavenly!
Tips for Success
To make your Egyptian Beef Goulash truly shine, here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way! First, don’t rush the browning of the beef; it’s crucial for developing that deep, savory flavor. If your pot starts to get crowded, just cook in batches! Also, feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste—if you love a bit of heat, toss in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. For an extra depth of flavor, you can use homemade beef broth; it makes a world of difference! And remember, this stew gets even better the next day, so if you can, make it ahead of time and let those flavors meld together. Finally, don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley right before serving; it adds a lovely pop of color and freshness!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for a serving of my Egyptian Beef Goulash. Keep in mind, these are estimates and can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients you choose. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 4g
This hearty stew not only satisfies your hunger but also packs a wholesome punch of nutrients!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious Egyptian Beef Goulash ready, let’s talk about how to serve it up for maximum enjoyment! This hearty stew is fantastic on its own, but pair it with some fluffy white rice or warm, crusty bread to soak up all that rich sauce—trust me, you’ll want every last drop! If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving it alongside a fresh cucumber salad tossed in a light vinaigrette; the crunch and tang add a lovely contrast to the warm stew. You could also whip up some roasted vegetables for an extra side dish; the caramelization will complement the flavors beautifully. And don’t forget to garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your meal with family or friends, and watch how quickly it disappears!
FAQ Section
Can I use other meats?
Absolutely! While beef is traditional for this Egyptian Beef Goulash, you can easily swap it out for other meats like lamb or even chicken. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary; chicken will take less time to become tender, while lamb will give a unique flavor twist. If you choose to use pork, go for a cut that’s well-marbled for the best results!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. If it seems a bit thick, feel free to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up!
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, yes, yes! Making this goulash a day ahead is one of my favorite tips. It allows the flavors to develop even more, resulting in an even tastier dish. Just prepare it as directed, let it cool, then store in the fridge. On the day you plan to serve it, you can reheat it on the stove, and you’ll be amazed at how delicious it is—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me share why this Egyptian Beef Goulash is a must-try! There are so many reasons to love this comforting dish:
- Hearty and Filling: With tender beef and hearty vegetables, this goulash is a complete meal that satisfies your hunger.
- Flavor Explosion: The blend of spices like cumin and paprika creates a warm, aromatic experience that’s simply irresistible.
- Easy to Make: This recipe involves straightforward steps, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better the next day, so you can prepare it in advance and enjoy the rich flavors.
- Versatile Pairings: Serve it with rice, bread, or even a fresh salad for a delightful meal that pleases everyone.
- Gluten-Free: Enjoy this hearty stew without worries, as it’s naturally gluten-free!
Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked!
Print
Egyptian Beef Goulash: 5 Reasons It’s Irresistibly Delicious
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stewing
- Cuisine: Egyptian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty Egyptian beef stew with spices and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups beef broth
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Stir in carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- Serve with rice or bread.
- This dish can be made a day ahead for better flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Egyptian Beef Goulash, Beef Stew, Egyptian Cuisine