Traditional Bab Gulyas – Hearty Hungarian Bean and Pork Stew

Experience the authentic flavors of Bab Gulyas, a rich and satisfying Hungarian stew made with tender pork, smoky smoked meats, beans, and vibrant vegetables. This recipe was perfected under the watchful eye of family, ensuring a flawless, deeply flavorful dish ideal for comforting meals and gatherings.

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight soaking)

🍳 Cook Time: 2 hours
🍽️ Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

700 g dried beans (soaked overnight in warm water)
500 g pork leg, cubed
200 g smoked bacon, diced
200 g smoked pork knuckle (ciolan), cubed
2 onions, finely chopped
2 kapia peppers (one yellow, one red), finely chopped
2 carrots, diced
3 slices celery root, diced
1 parsley root, diced
3 peeled tomatoes (fresh or canned), crushed
2 tbsp sweet paprika
2 bay leaves
1 tsp ground black pepper
2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp chili powder or 2 fresh hot peppers (optional)
Salt to taste
1 small bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare Beans

Soak dried beans overnight in warm water to soften.

2. Cook Smoked Meats and Vegetables

In a large heavy pot (~6 liters), cook diced smoked bacon over low heat until crispy. If fat is insufficient, add 1-2 tbsp oil.
Add finely chopped onions and peppers, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and sauté until onions soften.
Add cubed pork leg and smoked pork knuckle, cooking until meat changes color and releases its juices (about 15 minutes).
Add diced carrots, celery root, and parsley root. Continue sautéing until moisture evaporates from the meat (around 10 minutes).

3. Add Spices and Simmer

Remove pot from heat. Stir in sweet paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and dried thyme until meat is well coated.
Pour in 8 cups of water and add crushed tomatoes. Return pot to heat and bring to a boil.
Add soaked beans and bay leaves. Reduce heat to low so the stew simmers gently.
Simmer uncovered until beans are tender, at least 1.5 hours.
After 1 hour, add 2 tsp salt, then adjust seasoning to taste later.
Keep hot water nearby to add if the stew reduces too much during cooking.

4. Final Touches

Optionally, prepare small flour dumplings (galuscute) similar to those used in potato gulyas to add at the end.
Stir in chopped fresh parsley just before turning off heat.
Note: The stew thickens further overnight; add a little water when reheating if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with crusty bread or alongside your favorite side dishes for a hearty meal.

💡 Tips

Ensure beans are well soaked for faster cooking and better texture.
Use good-quality sweet paprika for authentic flavor and color.
Adjust chili level according to preference for a mild or spicy stew.
Slow simmering and layering of flavors are key to a rich, tender gulyas.

🎉 Perfect For

Family dinners and special gatherings
Comfort food during cold weather
Traditional Hungarian cuisine enthusiasts

📝 Final Thoughts

Bab Gulyas is a flavorful, satisfying stew that blends smoked meats, tender pork, and hearty beans with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables. Its slow cooking develops a deep, comforting taste that shines at any table, especially when prepared with care and patience.