Are you trying to decide what to serve with goulash? Stick around as we share a list of the most popular goulash side dishes in this article.

If you are thinking about eating Hungarian food, Goulash is probably the one dish that comes to mind. A few dishes stand out, but this one stands out from the rest.

The dish has been in use for more than a thousand years. Since its fame spread beyond Hungary, several versions of the original recipe have been created for various cuisines, but the basic ingredients needed to make this exquisite dish are paprika, tomatoes, pork, and bell peppers.

Now, although this dish tastes amazing on its own when it is served with some side dishes, it makes the meal perfect.

Now, if you are not sure about the side dishes to serve, you are not alone; read on to learn about the best side dishes you could serve with this delectable Hungarian dish.

Best Side Dishes for Goulash

1. Cabbage Rolls

Goulash is a mixture of sour and sweet flavors, whilst cabbage rolls have a slightly sour flavor, which could be amended to your liking when preparing the dish.

There are many different recipes for cabbage rolls; while the meat is typically used to stuff them, you can add mushrooms if red meat does not work out for you.

When you are done with making cabbage rolls, add some sour cream to the top to give the dish an even more upscale appearance. 

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Due to the unusual combination of textures, this is the vegetable that complements the flavor of goulash well.

There are several different ways to prepare Brussels sprouts, but the best option would be to roast them in an oven.

The roasted Brussels sprouts have crisp and crunchy, particularly on the exterior.

The side dish is a good choice if you are on short time and don’t want any fuss in the kitchen.

3. Crispy Biscuits

Everyone won’t expect this kind of combination because biscuits are so simple yet effective when utilized properly.

They’ll add some crunch to the Goulash, but they also help soak up the sauce, ensuring that nothing is wasted.

There are many possibilities there, like making your own biscuits from scratch, or the simpler one would be to buy them from a store.

Depending on your liking, you can either use them or put them at the bottom of the dish with the Goulash.

4. Freshly Baked Bread

This side dish gives any meal a distinctive flavor. In other words, if you serve it alongside Goulash, you simply cannot go wrong.

Although bread is a traditional accompaniment to stews, you should go the extra mile and make it yourself.

Your guests will fight over it if it is newly baked because it is warm and has a distinctive aroma that practically makes it the main course.

When eaten alone, bread can help with some of the nauseating stew and gives the meal more solidity. 

5. Rice Pilaf

Although rice is a versatile side dish and can be served with almost any other dish, when served along with Goulash, rice pilaf complements the main dish well.

With this as a side dish, Goulash won’t seem too heavy because rice is hearty and fulfilling. Rice pilaf is more popular since it has more flavor and scent than plain rice.

For a distinctive flavor, you can combine several spices and condiments; nevertheless, stick to anything that tastes paprika-like to avoid having too many conflicting odors.

To give your rice pilaf more taste, combine it with some beef broth.

You can also include some vegetables in your rice pilaf, depending on how you prepare it. It can be served combined with the Goulash or separately on a different platter.

6. Crispy Cornbread

By itself, crisp cornbread could seem an uninteresting choice to serve, but when combined with Hungarian Goulash, it makes the best combination ever.

The cornbread is even better when you get to the bottom of the dish because it may help you gather up all the sauce remnants.

The Goulash is juicy and soft, while the cornbread is crispy and will immediately absorb those fluids. While the flavor combination is distinctive, the textural mix is just as enticing.

It doesn’t matter if you prepare it yourself or get it from a grocery store; the result will still be the same.

7. Crispy Potato Pancakes

In Hungarian cooking, potato pancakes are highly popular and combine well with Goulash. They have a slightly softer interior than their crispy outside.

They also work well as a substitute for many kinds of bread. Although in a good way, the flavors and scents will contrast the Goulash because each aroma has a very distinct scent, making the Goulash be more delectable.

As if all of this weren’t enough, preparing potato pancakes shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes because it is a simple dish to make and doesn’t require many ingredients.

8. Potato Pancakes

Because they can accentuate and contrast your dinner tastes, potato pancakes make a fantastic side dish to serve along with Goulash.

They are excellent since they are simple to prepare and may be served right away. They pair incredibly well with sauce-based Goulash.

You can serve your potato pancakes with applesauce or sour cream for more taste.

These potato pancakes also complement the other side dishes on the table, such as the roasted Brussels sprouts.

9. Green Salad

 

Goulash is a fantastic dish, but it’s frequently incredibly filling. Fresh veggies in the shape of a leafy green garden salad can help to balance the stew’s richness and offer more nutrients to your dinner.

Crisp lettuce serves as the base of a green garden salad, adding fresh vegetables.

This type of salad is fantastic since you can add any veggies you desire, such as carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

Final Words

In summary, it’s not as tough as it may seem to decide what to serve with Hungarian Goulash. There are several choices available, and each one has unique characteristics.

There are many combinations, some of which are more effective than others. Most of the time, it just comes down to preferences.

The good news is that making any of the best side dishes listed above won’t take much time at all, saving you from wasting your entire day in the kitchen.

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