old fashioned goulash

Old-fashioned goulash is a hearty and comforting dish that has its roots in Hungarian cuisine. It typically consists of tender chunks of beef or pork simmered with onions, paprika, and other spices, then cooked with vegetables and sometimes pasta. Here’s a basic recipe for making old-fashioned goulash:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef stew meat or pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup elbow macaroni or other pasta
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brown the Meat:
   • In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef or pork pieces and brown them on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
   • In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute or until fragrant.
3. Add the Paprika and Spices:
   • Sprinkle the sweet paprika over the onions and garlic. Add the caraway seeds if using. Stir well to coat the onions and spices.
4. Simmer with Broth and Tomatoes:
   • Return the browned meat to the pot. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Cook the Goulash:
   • Cover the pot and let the goulash simmer over low to medium heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the meat becomes tender and flavorful. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if needed to prevent sticking.
6. Add Vegetables and Pasta:
   • Add the chopped red and green bell peppers, sliced carrots, and elbow macaroni (or other pasta) to the pot. Continue to simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables and pasta are cooked to your liking.
7. Season and Serve:
   • Season the goulash with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed.
   • Ladle the goulash into serving bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
8. Enjoy!
   • Serve the old-fashioned goulash hot and enjoy its comforting flavors.

This old-fashioned goulash recipe can be modified to suit your preferences. Some variations may include using different meats, adding potatoes, or adjusting the spice levels. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for cooler days.