Hungarian Bean Goulash (Babgulyás)

There are some Hungarian dishes that feel like a warm hug in a bowl, and Babgulyás is one of them. This traditional Hungarian bean goulash combines tender beans, vegetables, paprika, and smoky meat into a rich, hearty soup that is perfect for a cozy family meal.

Unlike the classic beef-centered gulyás, Babgulyás puts beans at the heart of the dish. Depending on the recipe, it may include smoked sausage, pork, beef, or smoked ham, along with vegetables such as carrots, parsley root, celery, peppers, and potatoes.

What Is Hungarian Bean Goulash?

Babgulyás, pronounced roughly bab-goo-yash, is a traditional Hungarian bean soup or stew.

The Hungarian word bab means bean, while gulyás refers to goulash. It is closely related to traditional Hungarian gulyás, but beans give this version its distinctive character.

The combination of sweet Hungarian paprika, beans, vegetables, and smoky meat creates a deeply savory flavor that makes this dish especially satisfying on cold days.

Ingredients

For the Goulash

• 2 cups dried pinto, kidney, or cranberry beans
• 1 tablespoon lard or vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 pound beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 parsley root or parsnip, sliced
• 1 small celery root, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 2 bay leaves
• 6–8 cups beef or chicken broth
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for serving

Optional

• Smoked pork hock or ham bone
• Sour cream
• Fresh crusty bread
• Hungarian hot pepper