
Goulash is a rustic stew or soup made from beef and vegetables, usually seasoned with paprika. Goulash originally comes from Hungary and is a popular recipe in many variations throughout Eastern Europe.
In addition to beef, goulash can also be prepared with veal, pork or lamb. But no matter what type of meat is used, goulash is best made with tougher cuts of meat that become tender when cooked over slow, moist heat, a technique called braising. These cuts of meat are also rich in collagen, which converts into gelatin when braising, thickening the stew without the addition of flour or other thickeners.
Although there are many variations, goulash is a simple dish. While goulash ingredients can include parsnips, carrots or tomatoes, goulash can actually only be made from beef, onions and peppers, although it is quite common to season goulash with cumin and garlic.