Hungarian Bean Goulash (Babgulyás) 🇭🇺

Rich, hearty, and deeply comforting, Hungarian Bean Goulash (Babgulyás) is a rustic soup that brings together tender beans, smoky meat, vegetables, and Hungary’s signature paprika. Slowly simmered until the beans are creamy and the broth is richly flavored, this traditional dish is perfect for a cold evening or a generous family meal.

Unlike the better-known beef goulash, Babgulyás gets its character from beans and smoked pork, creating a substantial soup with layers of savory, smoky, and gently spicy flavors.

What Is Hungarian Bean Goulash?

Babgulyás literally means bean goulash in Hungarian. It belongs to the broader family of Hungarian gulyás soups, which are traditionally more brothy than the thick stews often called “goulash” outside Hungary.

Recipes vary considerably from household to household. Some use smoked ham or sausage, while others feature fresh pork. Paprika, onions, garlic, root vegetables, and beans provide the foundation of the dish.

Ingredients

For the goulash

• 1½ cups dried beans, such as cranberry or cannellini beans
• 1 lb (450 g) smoked pork shoulder or smoked ham, cut into chunks
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 parsnip, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 7 cups water or broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon hot paprika, optional
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Optional csipetke dumplings

• 1 egg
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt