Savory Turkey Goulash: A Hearty and Flavorful Recipe
Turkey goulash might not be the first dish that springs to mind when you think of classic comfort food, but trust me, it’s a recipe you’ll want to add to your repertoire. It’s a delicious and satisfying twist on traditional beef goulash, offering a leaner protein option without sacrificing any of the rich, robust flavor. This recipe is perfect for a chilly evening, a cozy family dinner, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. Packed with tender turkey, vegetables, and a flavorful paprika-spiced sauce, this turkey goulash is sure to become a family favorite.
## Why Turkey Goulash?
While beef goulash is a classic, turkey goulash offers several advantages:
* **Leaner Protein:** Turkey is a leaner protein source than beef, making this a healthier option.
* **Versatile Flavor:** Turkey absorbs flavors beautifully, allowing the paprika and other spices to really shine.
* **Quick Cooking:** Turkey cooks faster than beef, making this goulash a relatively quick and easy weeknight meal.
* **Delicious and Comforting:** Despite being a leaner option, turkey goulash is still incredibly flavorful and comforting.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Turkey:** 2 pounds of boneless, skinless turkey thighs or breast, cut into 1-inch cubes. I prefer thighs for their richer flavor and tenderness, but breast meat works well too.
* **Onion:** 1 large yellow onion, chopped. Yellow onions provide a good base flavor for the goulash.
* **Bell Peppers:** 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped. Bell peppers add sweetness and color to the dish. I like to use a combination of red and yellow for visual appeal.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Tomato paste adds depth and richness to the sauce.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (28-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained. Diced tomatoes provide the base for the sauce.
* **Beef Broth (or Chicken Broth):** 4 cups beef broth. Beef broth adds richness and depth of flavor, but chicken broth can be substituted if needed. Turkey broth is ideal if you can find it.
* **Sweet Paprika:** 2 tablespoons sweet paprika. This is the star spice of goulash! Use high-quality paprika for the best flavor.
* **Smoked Paprika:** 1 tablespoon smoked paprika. Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth to the flavor.
* **Caraway Seeds:** 1 teaspoon caraway seeds. Caraway seeds add a distinctive, slightly anise-like flavor that is traditional in goulash.
* **Marjoram:** 1 teaspoon dried marjoram. Marjoram adds a subtle, sweet, and floral flavor.
* **Bay Leaf:** 1 bay leaf. Bay leaf adds a subtle depth of flavor; be sure to remove it before serving.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons olive oil. For sautéing the vegetables and browning the turkey.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season generously!
* **Optional:** 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving.
* **Optional:** Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring spoons and cups
* Spatula or wooden spoon
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make delicious turkey goulash:
**Step 1: Brown the Turkey**
* Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
* Add the cubed turkey in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will cause the turkey to steam instead of brown. Brown on all sides until golden brown. This step is crucial for developing a rich, flavorful base for the goulash. Remove the browned turkey from the pot and set aside.
**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**
* Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the chopped bell peppers and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
**Step 3: Build the Flavor**
* Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will help caramelize the tomato paste and deepen the flavor.
* Add the sweet paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, and marjoram. Stir well to combine and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. This step blooms the spices and releases their flavors.
**Step 4: Combine and Simmer**
* Return the browned turkey to the pot.
* Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and beef broth (or chicken broth).
* Add the bay leaf.
* Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that you can always add more seasoning later, but it’s difficult to remove it.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and the turkey will become more tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
**Step 5: Adjust and Serve**
* After simmering, remove the bay leaf.
* Taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or paprika to your liking.
* If the sauce is too thin, you can remove the lid and simmer for another 15-20 minutes to allow it to thicken. Alternatively, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the goulash and simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
* Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley (optional). A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a creamy richness that complements the goulash perfectly.
## Serving Suggestions
Turkey goulash is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few ideas:
* **Noodles:** Egg noodles, spaetzle, or wide noodles are classic choices.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting and satisfying base for the goulash.
* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or even wild rice work well.
* **Crusty Bread:** For soaking up all that delicious sauce!
* **Dumplings:** Hungarian-style dumplings (nokedli) are a traditional accompaniment.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the goulash.
## Tips and Variations
* **Use High-Quality Paprika:** The flavor of your goulash will depend heavily on the quality of the paprika. Invest in good-quality sweet and smoked paprika for the best results. Hungarian paprika is often considered the best.
* **Don’t Skip the Browning Step:** Browning the turkey is essential for developing a rich, savory flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pot, and make sure the turkey is nicely browned on all sides.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** If you prefer a spicier goulash, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped chili pepper to the pot along with the other spices.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the goulash, such as carrots, parsnips, or potatoes. Add them along with the bell peppers.
* **Slow Cooker Option:** This recipe can easily be adapted for the slow cooker. Brown the turkey and sauté the vegetables as instructed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the turkey with mushrooms or other vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
* **Add Wine:** For an even richer flavor, add 1/2 cup of dry red wine to the pot after sautéing the vegetables. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce before adding the tomatoes and broth.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Turkey goulash freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
(Note: This is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
## Printable Recipe Card
**Turkey Goulash Recipe**
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 1 hour 15 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds boneless, skinless turkey thighs or breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 large yellow onion, chopped
* 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
* 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
* 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
* 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
* 1 bay leaf
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Optional: 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving
* Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the cubed turkey in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown on all sides until golden brown. Remove the browned turkey from the pot and set aside.
3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium.
4. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the chopped bell peppers and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened.
6. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
7. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
8. Add the sweet paprika, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, and marjoram. Stir well to combine and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
9. Return the browned turkey to the pot.
10. Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and beef broth (or chicken broth).
11. Add the bay leaf.
12. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
13. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours. Stir occasionally.
14. After simmering, remove the bay leaf.
15. Taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning as needed.
16. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley (optional) and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional).
## Conclusion
Turkey goulash is a delicious, healthy, and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion. With its tender turkey, flavorful sauce, and customizable ingredients, it’s a recipe that you can easily adapt to your own tastes. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to enjoy a hearty and satisfying bowl of turkey goulash!