Beef goulash

Beef Goulash: A Recipe Full of Flavor and Nostalgia

Beef goulash is a traditional dish, a gem of the kitchen that brings together the deep flavors of meat, vegetables, and spices. This recipe, which I learned a few years ago during a jazz festival, combines authentic tastes with a personal touch. Goulash is more than just a meal; it is a culinary experience that embraces your senses and transports you to a world of traditions and stories.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- Beef: 500g of chuck, cut into 3-4 cm cubes (adjustable depending on the number of servings)
- Potatoes: 1 kg, cut into varying sizes (some large, others small)
- Vegetables:
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 1 parsley root, diced
- 1 red bell pepper and 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 4-5 large onions, sliced
- Lard: 50g (or olive oil, if you prefer a lighter option)
- Spices:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 chili pepper (optional, but recommended for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- Red wine: 1 cup (optional, but adds depth to the flavors)
- Cooking spirit: An essential ingredient!

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by cutting the beef into suitable cubes. Choose chuck, which is more tender and will cook evenly. Wash and peel the vegetables, cutting them into varying sizes. Potatoes are essential in this recipe, so make sure you have a combination of sizes for a pleasant texture.

2. Searing the meat
In a large pot, add the lard (or oil) and let it heat over medium heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden. This step is crucial as the high heat will seal in the meat's juices.

3. Adding the vegetables
After the meat is browned, add the sliced onions and let them sauté until they become translucent. Then, add the carrots, parsley, and bell peppers. Continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently. If you notice that the mixture is sticking to the bottom of the pot, add a little water to release the flavors.

4. Simmering the goulash
Once the vegetables have softened, pour in enough water to cover the ingredients. Let it simmer on low heat, covering the pot, for about 30 minutes. This is the perfect time to enjoy a glass of red wine to inspire your cooking.

5. Adding the potatoes
After the meat and vegetables have simmered, add the cut potatoes. They will add a pleasant texture to the goulash. Let it simmer on low heat for another 30 minutes, until the potatoes are soft but not falling apart.

6. Final seasoning
Once the potatoes are almost done, add the cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. The chili pepper should be added at the end to retain its flavor intensity. Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired.

7. Serving
The goulash can be served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or with polenta. A delicious option is to add a spoonful of sour cream on top for a creamy contrast.

Useful tips

- If you want to add extra flavor, you can throw in a sprig of fresh thyme or a bay leaf, which will infuse into the goulash.
- You can experiment with different types of meat, such as beef, fish, or pork, but be sure to adjust the cooking time.
- Goulash keeps well in the refrigerator and is even tastier the next day when the flavors have had time to meld.

Nutritional benefits

Beef goulash is a hearty meal, rich in protein and nutrients from the vegetables. Beef is an excellent source of iron, essential for blood formation, while the vegetables provide vitamins and antioxidants that contribute to overall health. Potatoes offer complex carbohydrates, important for energy.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, but the cooking time will be shorter. Cook the chicken until tender, in about 30-40 minutes.

2. What can I do if I don’t have lard?
You can use olive oil or even butter to sauté the ingredients. The taste will be different, but just as delicious.

3. Is goulash suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe using various vegetables, tofu, or seitan instead of beef, and vegetable broth instead of water.

So, get ready to enjoy a delicious beef goulash that will not only nourish you but also bring back fond memories. Perhaps you will discover that, like me, this dish will become one of your favorites!

 Ingredients: - Preferably beef, thigh, the quantity depends on the number of people we are preparing to cook for. - Potatoes: for half a kg of meat, one kg of potatoes. - Vegetables: carrots, parsley root, bell peppers (red and green), 4-5 large onions. - Lard - Salt, pepper to taste. - Hot pepper, chopped cumin. - Depending on the quantity, a cup or, for example, in the pictures below, a bottle of red wine. - Cooking enthusiasm and patience.