Mediterranean Gulyás

Ingredients

While the original Hungarian Gulyás is known for its hearty and robust flavors, this Mediterranean adaptation incorporates lighter ingredients and Mediterranean herbs and spices. The traditional beef is replaced with tender chicken, and the dish is infused with Mediterranean flavors such as garlic, lemon, and oregano. This adaptation also includes colorful vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, adding a refreshing twist to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Gulyás, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced 1 zucchini, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 6g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Stir in the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and diced tomatoes. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, mix together the tomato paste, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add this mixture to the pot and stir well to coat the ingredients.
5. 5.
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. 6.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken thighs — For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken thighs in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Bell peppers — Roasting the bell peppers before adding them to the dish will enhance their natural sweetness.
• Lemon juice — Squeeze the lemon just before adding the juice to the dish to ensure maximum freshness and flavor.
• Dried oregano — Rub the dried oregano between your palms before adding it to the dish to release its aromatic oils.
• Fresh parsley — Chop the parsley just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and fresh taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the dish.
• Serve the Mediterranean Gulyás with a dollop of Greek yogurt on top for a creamy touch.
• If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the simmering dish.
• This dish tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance and reheating it for a quick and delicious meal.
• Feel free to add other Mediterranean vegetables like eggplant or artichokes to customize the dish to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the Mediterranean Gulyás hot in deep bowls. Accompany it with crusty bread or fluffy couscous to soak up the flavorful broth. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

To make the dish visually appealing, arrange the colorful bell peppers and zucchini slices on top of the chicken pieces. Drizzle a little olive oil over the dish just before serving to add a glossy finish.