Gulyás is a simple and delicious comfort dish, often considered the Hungarian national dish. Its name means "herdsman" and originates in the 9th century as a Magyar shepherd's stew. Goulash is between a soup and a stew and has several variations based on the region. Apart from beef and vegetables, paprika is an important ingredient in the stew. Paprika, a red chili pepper, has become central in Hungarian cuisine.