Slavonski Gulaš - Traditional Croatian Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) beef chuck, cut into cubes 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) beef chuck, cut into cubes
• 2 onions, finely chopped 2 onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups (470ml) beef broth 2 cups (470ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240ml) red wine 1 cup (240ml) red wine
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 4g
• Protein: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the beef cubes, minced garlic, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, bay leaves, thyme, black pepper, salt, and red wine. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly caramelized.
3. 3.
   Add the marinated beef cubes to the pot, reserving the marinade. Cook the beef until it is browned on all sides, stirring occasionally.
4. 4.
   Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
5. 5.
   Pour in the reserved marinade, beef broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. 6.
   Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
7. 7.
   Serve the Slavonski gulaš hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. It pairs perfectly with homemade pasta or crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — Choose a tender cut of beef like chuck for this stew. Marinating the beef will help to enhance its tenderness and flavor.
• Paprika — Use a combination of sweet and smoked paprika to achieve the authentic flavor profile of Slavonski gulaš.
• Red wine — Opt for a dry red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, to add depth of flavor to the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra depth of flavor, you can add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar to the stew.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve Slavonski gulaš in deep bowls, allowing the rich sauce to surround the tender beef. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Don't forget to have some crusty bread or homemade pasta on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.

Presentation advice

To present Slavonski gulaš beautifully, place a generous portion of the stew in the center of the bowl. Drizzle a little extra sauce on top and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve with a side of homemade pasta or crusty bread.