How to Make Authentic Czech Beef Goulash with Homemade Bread Dumplings

Simple Summary

Czech Goulash with Bread Dumplings is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender beef in a rich paprika-spiced sauce, served with fluffy bread dumplings to soak up every last bit of flavor.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Goulash:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 large onions, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bread Dumplings:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 2 slices day-old white bread, cubed

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Increase heat to medium-high. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Stir in paprika, caraway seeds, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

5. Pour in beef broth, add the bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beef is tender.

6. While the goulash simmers, prepare the bread dumplings. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking powder.

7. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Add to the flour mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.

8. Fold in the bread cubes and knead gently until well combined.

9. Shape the dough into 2-3 logs, each about 2 inches in diameter.

10. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully lower the dough logs into the water and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until they float and are cooked through.

11. Remove dumplings from water and let cool slightly before slicing into 1-inch thick rounds.

12. Once the goulash is ready, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

13. Serve hot goulash with sliced bread dumplings on the side.

Chef's Notes

• For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the goulash.
• If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the goulash during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Leftover goulash can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheats well. The bread dumplings are best eaten fresh but can be sliced and toasted the next day.

Nutritional Info

Per serving (approximate): 650 calories, 35g protein, 25g fat, 70g carbohydrates. This dish is rich in B vitamins from the beef and provides a good source of iron and zinc.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty goulash with a side of pickled vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the rich flavors. A cold Czech pilsner beer pairs excellently with this meal. For a festive touch, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream. This dish is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests on chilly evenings.