Goulash is a popular Hungarian stew typically made with beef, vegetables like onions, carrots, and bell peppers, and paprika for flavor. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly weather. While goulash is traditionally served over egg noodles, some people enjoy serving it over rice for a unique twist. So, can you serve goulash with rice? The short answer is yes, you certainly can serve goulash with rice if you want to change things up. While it’s not the most traditional pairing, rice can make a tasty accompaniment to the rich, paprika-infused stew.
Reasons to Serve Goulash with Rice
Here are some of the main benefits of serving goulash with rice rather than noodles:
– Rice soaks up the delicious flavors of the stew. The rice will absorb the rich paprika broth, as well as the flavors from the beef and vegetables. This can infuse the rice with lots of taste.
– It provides variety. If you make goulash often, serving it over rice instead of noodles sometimes can add interest to the dish and prevent it from feeling tired or boring. The new texture of fluffy rice can breathe fresh life into the meal.
– Rice is gluten-free. For those avoiding gluten, rice offers a gluten-free alternative to traditional egg noodles. This makes the dish more accessible.
– It uses up leftover rice. Got some leftover cooked rice in the fridge? Simply reheat it and serve the goulash over the top. It’s an easy way to repurpose leftovers.
– Rice is inexpensive. A bag of rice tends to cost less than a pack of egg noodles, making rice a budget-friendly swap.
– It appeals to a range of tastes. Some people simply prefer rice over pasta. Serving goulash with rice can appeal to different palates.
– Rice provides filling carbs. Like egg noodles, rice offers plenty of carbohydrates to make the meal satisfying and substantial.
– Rice soaks up sauce. The grains can soak up and capture every last drop of the delicious paprika broth.
Tips for Serving Goulash with Rice
If you want to start serving your goulash with rice, here are some tips to make it successful:
– Use a rice that holds its shape. Stickier rice varieties like short grain white rice or sushi rice can get mushy and turn to a paste when served with stew. Opt for rice that remains fluffy and distinct like basmati or jasmine.
– Cook the rice al dente. Undercook it slightly so it’s not too soft. This will help the grains maintain their texture when soaked with stew.
– Season the rice. To give the rice more flavor, cook it in broth or stock instead of water. You can use beef or chicken stock. Herbs and spices also enhance rice, so add some garlic powder, paprika, thyme or parsley.
– Let the goulash simmer. Allow the stew to simmer until the beef is very tender. This allows the flavors to fully develop.
– Add some stew liquid to the rice. For extra flavor, add a couple ladlefuls of the goulash broth to the rice as it cooks. The paprika-infused liquid will seep into the grains.
– Fluff the rice before serving. Use a fork to gently fluff up the rice once cooked. This separates the grains so they don’t clump together when mixed with stew.
– Add a dollop of sour cream. Top the goulash-rice combo with a spoonful of cool, creamy sour cream. This nicely balances the richness.
– Garnish with fresh herbs. Chopped parsley, dill, chives or cilantro give a fresh finish.
– Offer hot sauce on the side. Let people spice it up with hot sauce if they wish.
Choosing the Right Rice
You have lots of options when it comes to selecting the right rice to serve with goulash. Here are some top varieties to consider:
Basmati Rice
Basmati is a long grain rice known for its nutty aroma. It has a nice firm yet fluffy texture. The grains elongate when cooked but remain distinct.
Jasmine Rice
Like basmati, jasmine is an aromatic long grain rice. It has a subtle floral aroma and a soft, sticky texture when cooked. The grains are moist and cling together.
Brown Rice
Chewy, nutritious brown rice holds its shape well when cooked. It has great texture and pairs nicely with heartier stews.
White Rice
Plain long grain white rice is budget-friendly and works well. Opt for a rice labeled “fluffy” over sticky varieties.
Wild Rice
Wild rice has robust flavor, chewy texture and pretty dark grains. It pairs nicely with meat stews.
Jasmati Rice
A cross between basmati and jasmine, jasmati rice has aromatic fragrance and fluffy yet clingy grains.
Texmati Rice
Developed in Texas, texmati rice combines elements of basmati and American long grain rice. It’s fragrant, nutty and fluffy.
Brown Jasmine Rice
This blend marries the nutty taste of brown rice with aromatic jasmine rice. It’s fluffy yet toothsome.
Wehani Rice
An American heirloom grain, wehani has a unique reddish-brown hue and robust flavor.
Complementary Side Dishes
While rice makes a tasty base for goulash, you can always serve up additional sides too. Here are some options:
– Egg noodles – Stick with the classic! Butter or olive oil noodles are hard to beat.
– Mashed potatoes – Creamy, smooth mashed potatoes work wonderfully.
– Spaetzle – These tiny egg dumplings are a traditional Hungarian side.
– Roasted vegetables – Carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, etc.
– Cabbage salad – Tangy coleslaw complements the rich stew.
– Biscuits or rolls – Perfect for dunking in the gravy-like broth.
– Garlic bread – Sop up every last drop of the sauce.
Goulash and Rice Recipes to Try
If you’re sold on pairing your goulash with rice, here are some recipe ideas:
Classic Beef Goulash with Herbed Rice
This traditional recipe uses sliced beef, onions, tomato paste and Hungarian paprika served over fluffy herbed basmati rice.
Quick Chicken Paprikash with Brown Rice
Chicken thighs cooked with lots of paprika and sour cream is served over nutty brown rice.
Spicy Pork Goulash with Cilantro Lime Rice
Pork shoulder simmers in a smoky, spicy sauce and is served with bright cilantro lime rice.
Vegetable Goulash with Brown Jasmine Rice
A meatless goulash loaded with peppers, carrots, zucchini and squash is paired with brown jasmine rice.
Shrimp Goulash with Jasmati Rice
Plump shrimp cooks in tomatoey paprika broth and is served over aromatic jasmati rice.
Turkey Goulash with Wild Rice
Lean ground turkey and vegetables make up this lighter goulash served over toothsome wild rice.
Tips for Leftovers
Like many stews, goulash is even better the next day as the flavors have time to develop. Here are tips for leftovers:
– Let cool completely, then refrigerate in airtight containers. Separate the rice from the stew.
– Store goulash and rice separately up to 4 days.
– Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
– Add a splash of broth or water to the goulash to thin it out if needed.
– Fluff rice with a fork before reheating. Add a little water to refresh it.
– Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt after reheating.
– Sprinkle leftovers with fresh herbs.
– Enjoy goulash and rice as filling for stuffed peppers or burritos.
– Use excess rice in fried rice or rice bowls.
– Turn leftover goulash into soup by thinning it with more broth. Enjoy with crusty bread.
FAQs
Is goulash supposed to be served with rice?
Traditionally, goulash is served with egg noodles. However, serving it with rice is certainly an acceptable alternative if you prefer rice or want to change things up.
What kind of rice works best with goulash?
Long grain rice varieties like basmati and jasmine work well since they resist getting mushy. Well-seasoned rice with broth holds up nicely to the rich stew.
Can you put rice directly in the goulash?
It’s best not to cook rice directly in the goulash, as it will absorb too much liquid and get mushy. Keep it separate and serve stew over cooked rice.
Is goulash good for meal prep?
Yes, goulash is perfect for meal prepping! Make a big batch on Sunday and portion it out over rice for quick, delicious weekday lunches and dinners.
Should goulash be served over mashed potatoes instead of rice?
While mashed potatoes are delicious with goulash, rice is a gluten and grain-free alternative. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works too.
Conclusion
While goulash with egg noodles may be traditional, serving this Hungarian staple over rice instead is definitely an option. Rice soaks up the rich paprika broth beautifully and offers a gluten-free alternative. For best results, opt for fluffy, firmer rice varieties and season the rice well. Pairing goulash with rice provides texture, flavor and variety to this classic stew.