Why You’ll Love this Vegan Goulash Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, you’ll love this Vegan Goulash recipe. It’s packed with vibrant vegetables and beans, creating a satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out.
The combination of spices and fresh herbs elevates the flavors, making each bite a delight. I appreciate how easy it’s to prepare—just a few simple steps, and you’ve got a delicious meal ready to enjoy.
Plus, it’s versatile! Whether you serve it over pasta, grains, or mashed potatoes, you’ll find it comforting and nourishing. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients of Vegan Goulash
When it comes to whipping up a comforting Vegan Goulash, having the right ingredients is key. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the wholesome goodness packed into each component. You won’t need any fancy or hard-to-find items—just fresh veggies and pantry staples that you may already have on hand.
So, let’s explore the list of goodies you’ll need to gather for this hearty meal.
Ingredients for Vegan Goulash:
- 2 cups onions, diced
- 2 cups carrots, diced
- 2 cups zucchini, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons chili peppers (feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance)
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned works great)
- 15 ounces kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
- 15 ounces navy beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup tomato juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Now, let’s chat a bit about these ingredients. First off, don’t stress if you can’t find zucchini or if your grocery store is out of kidney beans—this recipe is flexible.
You can swap in other veggies like bell peppers or even mushrooms, and any beans you have on hand will do the trick. It’s all about what you like and what’s available.
And hey, if you’re not a fan of nutmeg, you can skip it; just know that it adds a nice warmth to the dish. The key is to make this goulash your own.
After all, cooking should be fun, not a chore. So, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create something delicious!
How to Make Vegan Goulash
Alright, let’s plunge into the heart of the matter—making that delicious Vegan Goulash! You’ll want to start by grabbing a large pot. Trust me, you’ll need the space. Heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat, and while it warms up, take a moment to chop your veggies. You’ll need 2 cups of diced onions, 2 cups of diced carrots, and 2 cups of diced zucchini.
Once the oil is shimmering, toss those onions in and sauté for about 2 minutes. You want them to get all soft and translucent, not burnt to a crisp. Then, add in the carrots and zucchini. Give it a good stir and let everything mingle together for about 5-7 minutes. The aroma should start wafting through your kitchen, and if it doesn’t, well, maybe you need to check your spice levels or your enthusiasm for cooking.
Now, after your veggies have softened up nicely, it’s time to bring in the flavor bomb! Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons of chili peppers (more or less if you like it spicy), 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Yes, nutmeg. It adds a lovely warmth, but if you’re not into it, just skip it.
Sauté this glorious mixture for about 2 minutes. You should feel like a chef in a cooking show by now. Next, we want to bring everything together, so add in 2 cups of diced tomatoes (canned is perfectly fine), 15 ounces of rinsed and drained kidney beans, 15 ounces of rinsed and drained navy beans, and 1 cup of tomato juice.
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Stir it all up, then let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
At this point, your goulash should be bubbling away, filling your kitchen with a cozy vibe. Taste it, and adjust seasoning if needed. If it feels too thick, don’t hesitate to splash in a little more tomato juice or even some water.
When it’s all ready, serve it up hot, either on its own or over pasta, grains, or mashed potatoes—whatever floats your boat. Just imagine digging into that warm, comforting bowl of goodness. It’s like a hug in a dish, and the best part? You made it yourself. Enjoy!
Vegan Goulash Substitutions & Variations
After savoring that delicious Vegan Goulash, you might be curious about how to customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
I love swapping out the veggies; bell peppers, corn, or even mushrooms work great. You can also use lentils instead of beans for a different texture.
For a spicier kick, try adding jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. If you’re low on tomato juice, vegetable broth can be a perfect substitute.
And don’t forget to play with spices! Smoked paprika or Italian herbs can add a delightful twist to this comforting dish.
What to Serve with Vegan Goulash
To enhance your Vegan Goulash experience, consider pairing it with hearty sides that complement its rich flavors.
I love serving mine over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, which soak up the delicious sauce beautifully. A side of crusty whole-grain bread is perfect for dipping, too.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the dish nicely.
For an extra veggie boost, roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans work wonderfully.
These options not only elevate the meal but also add delightful textures to your dining experience. Enjoy!
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing Vegan Goulash, I’ve found a few tips that can really enhance the dish.
First, feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand—bell peppers or mushrooms work great too! If you like it spicy, add more chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce.
I also recommend letting the goulash sit for a few hours or even overnight; the flavors deepen beautifully.
Finally, for extra creaminess, stir in some coconut milk just before serving. Trust me, these small tweaks can take your goulash to the next level!
Enjoy cooking!