Goulash Seasoning Mix 100g
Goulash seasoning mix with Hungarian paprika, herbs and spices, plus an easy recipe for making a generous pot of traditional Hungarian goulash soup.
What Is Goulash Seasoning Mix?
Our goulash seasoning mix brings together the herbs and spices needed to make a comforting Hungarian goulash soup at home. Sweet paprika provides its rich red colour and rounded pepper flavour, while caraway, garlic, onion and black pepper add savoury depth.
The blend also contains a little smoked paprika, bringing a gentle smoky note to the finished dish. Each 100g packet includes a recipe and makes approximately eight portions, or you can divide the seasoning between smaller batches.
What Makes Hungarian Goulash Different?
Traditional Hungarian goulash soup, known as gulyásleves, is a hearty, paprika-seasoned soup made with beef, vegetables and potatoes in a generous savoury broth. It has a more brothy consistency than the thicker dishes often called goulash elsewhere.
In Hungary, goulash is sometimes cooked outdoors in a bogrács, a traditional cauldron suspended over a fire. It is just as easy to make in a large pot on the hob, allowing the beef and vegetables to simmer gently until tender and full of flavour.
For another way to make this Hungarian classic, see our traditional Hungarian goulash recipe.
How to Use Goulash Seasoning
Use the mix to make the goulash soup recipe below, or add smaller amounts to other dishes when you want the warmth of Hungarian paprika and caraway.
- Season a pot of beef goulash soup with potatoes, carrots, tomatoes and peppers.
- Add to beef, pork or vegetable stews for a rich paprika-led flavour.
- Stir into bean soups, lentils, tomato sauces and casseroles as they simmer.
- Mix with a little oil and use as a seasoning for roast chicken, pork or vegetables.
- Sprinkle over potatoes before roasting, or add a pinch to scrambled eggs or a vegetable frittata.
- Use in marinades and barbecue rubs when you want savoury paprika flavour with a gentle hint of smoke.
Cook's Tip
Beef shoulder, shin or stewing steak is well suited to goulash. These cuts benefit from slow cooking: as the connective tissue softens, it enriches the broth and gives the beef a tender texture. Keep the soup at a gentle simmer and allow enough time for the meat to become tender.
Hungarian Goulash Soup Recipe
Use the whole packet to make approximately eight portions. Serve the soup with crusty bread for a generous lunch or supper.
Ingredients
- 800g–1kg beef shoulder, shin or stewing steak, cut into cubes
- 4 tablespoons (60ml) pork lard or vegetable oil
- 1.5–2 litres water
- 800g potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium brown onion, finely diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 2 red peppers, deseeded and diced
- Up to 2 teaspoons sea salt, to taste
- 1 packet Goulash Seasoning Mix
Method
- Heat the lard or oil in a large stockpot. Add the onion and cook gently until softened and translucent.
- Add the beef and cook over a medium heat for a few minutes, stirring until it begins to brown.
- Add the water, bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the beef begins to soften. The time will depend on the cut and size of the pieces.
- Add the potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, peppers and the goulash seasoning mix. Simmer for around 40 minutes, or until the vegetables and beef are tender. Add a little more water if needed to maintain a soup-like consistency.
- Taste before adding salt, as the seasoning mix already contains some. Serve hot with fresh bread.
For an authentic Hungarian wine pairing, serve your goulash with a glass of Bikavér, also known as Bull's Blood. Its red-fruit and savoury notes make an appealing match for the paprika-forward flavours of the rich soup.
Where Does It Come From?
This Monika's Kitchen goulash seasoning is made by Rubin Paprika in Szeged, southern Hungary, using a recipe developed by Monika. It combines Rubin's paprika powder and selected seasonings into a convenient blend for home cooking.
Rubin works with regional growers to produce Hungarian paprika, drawing on the long paprika-growing and milling tradition of the Szeged area. Its sweet paprika forms the flavour base of this mix, complemented by onion, caraway, garlic, black pepper and smoked paprika.
Explore more sweet, hot and smoked varieties in our Hungarian paprika collection.
Ingredients & Dietary Information
Ingredients: Sweet paprika powder, brown onion, smoked paprika powder, ground caraway powder, garlic, black pepper, salt.
Country of Origin: Hungary.
Dietary information: Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Free from additives, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives. Non-GMO.
Storage: Keep the packet tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. Use a clean, dry spoon when measuring the seasoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in the goulash seasoning mix?
The mix contains sweet paprika, brown onion, smoked paprika, caraway, garlic, black pepper and salt. Together they give goulash its rich red colour and savoury, aromatic flavour.
How much goulash does one packet make?
One 100g packet is designed to season approximately eight portions of goulash soup using the recipe provided. You can also divide the mix and ingredients to make smaller batches.
Is Hungarian goulash a soup or a stew?
Traditional Hungarian gulyásleves is a hearty soup with beef, vegetables and potatoes in a paprika-seasoned broth. Goulash recipes outside Hungary often have a thicker consistency, and both styles can be enjoyed according to preference.
What is the best beef for goulash soup?
Beef shoulder, shin and stewing steak are good choices. They become tender with gentle, slow cooking and give the broth a rich, savoury character.
Is this goulash seasoning spicy?
The blend uses sweet paprika and smoked paprika rather than hot paprika. It is savoury and aromatic, with gentle spice from black pepper and caraway. If you enjoy more heat, add a little hot paprika to taste.
Can I use the seasoning for vegetarian or vegan dishes?
Yes. The seasoning itself is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Try it in a vegetable goulash with potatoes, peppers, carrots, beans or mushrooms, using vegetable oil and a suitable vegetable stock.
Does the mix contain salt?
Yes. Salt is included in the blend, so taste your soup or stew before adding extra salt. You can always add more at the end of cooking if needed.
Can I use goulash seasoning in other dishes?
Yes. It is useful in bean dishes, casseroles, tomato sauces, roasted vegetables, marinades and spice rubs. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.