beef
slow-cooked
for guests
main course
tender
Hungarian
all seasons
Hot
Hungarian Hunter's Beef (Vadas)
Difficulty
medium
Time
3h 35m
Price Category
average
Calories
Medium
Vadas marha, or Hungarian Hunter's Beef, is a true Hungarian classic, an essential dish for Sunday lunches. This tender beef, slow-cooked in a rich, creamy sauce, captivates with its unique sweet and sour flavor profile. The special harmony of root vegetables and mustard makes it unforgettable. It's the perfect choice if you're craving something truly hearty and delicious that is guaranteed to please everyone.
ingredients
Steps
Prepare and Sear Beef
Wash and pat dry the beef, then cut it into 4-5 cm (1.5-2 inch) cubes. Season generously with salt and pepper. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil or lard over medium heat. Sear the beef cubes on all sides until golden brown. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables
Add the diced smoked bacon to the pot and render its fat, then add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Next, add the peeled and sliced carrots, parsnips, and celery root. Sauté the vegetables for 8-10 minutes until slightly softened and fragrant.
Season and Cook
Sprinkle the vegetables with flour and stir well. Add the mustard, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, and grated lemon zest. Stir in the bay leaves, whole peppercorns, and allspice berries. Pour in the beef broth or water, then return the beef to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2.5-3 hours, or until the beef is completely tender.
Prepare the Sauce
Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and set aside. Discard the bay leaves and whole spices. Using an immersion blender, purée the vegetable base until smooth. If it's too thick, add a little more broth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, sugar, or lemon juice if needed. Finally, stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle boil, but do not cook further.
Serve
Slice the beef or shred it, then return it to the creamy sauce. Serve hot with bread dumplings, boiled pasta, or potatoes. Enjoy your meal!
Extra Tips
► The secret to perfect Vadas is slow cooking; don't rush it, let the meat become truly tender.
► For an even richer flavor, sauté the vegetables in the bacon fat before adding the beef.
► Serve it with bread dumplings or boiled pasta, that's how it's truly authentic!
Nutrition
| Per 100g | Per Serving 300g / 10.5 oz | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal | 840 kcal |
| Protein | 20g | 60g |
| Fat | 15g | 45g |
| Carbohydrate | 15g | 45g |
| Fiber | 2g | 6g |
| Sugar | 5g | 15g |