Goulash Soup

Zama Gulas – A Fragrant Delight in a Pot

If you are looking for a comforting and flavorful dish, Zama Gulas is the perfect choice. This traditional recipe, a rich and nourishing soup, combines the delicate flavors of meat with those of fresh vegetables, resulting in a dish that will fill your heart and stomach. Throughout this guide, I will accompany you step by step in the preparation process, providing you with useful tips, information about ingredients, and even serving suggestions.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Necessary Ingredients

1. Meat:
- 1 kg of sheep or beef (I recommend choosing quality meat with a moderate fat content for better flavor)
- 2-3 bones with a little meat (these will add deep flavor to the soup)

2. Vegetables:
- 0.75 kg of potatoes (preferably starchy ones that hold up well when boiled)
- 2-3 onions (onion is the base of the flavors)
- 2-3 carrots (for natural sweetness)
- 1 bell pepper (you can use red or yellow for vibrant color)
- 1-2 hot peppers (optional, for a spicy taste)
- 1 root of parsley or celery (for extra flavor)

3. Spices:
- 150 g of tomato paste (or tomato purée)
- 2 tablespoons of oil (sunflower or olive oil are the most suitable)
- Salt, pepper (to taste)
- Paprika (sweet or hot, depending on preferences)
- Homemade vegeta (optional, for a more complex flavor)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Base

In a large pot, add the bones and fill with cold water, ensuring they are completely covered. Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a boil. As the water begins to bubble, skim the soup to remove impurities. This step is essential for obtaining a clear and tasty soup.

Step 2: Adding the Vegetables

After skimming, add the whole vegetables (carrots, parsley or celery). Let it boil until the meat from the bones easily separates. This will take about an hour. Then, remove the bones and vegetables from the pot, keeping the broth.

Step 3: Preparing the Meat

While the bones are boiling, clean the sheep meat and cut it into cubes of about 2-3 cm. Also, peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes. In a saucepan, heat the oil and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, then add the meat cubes. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook covered, stirring occasionally, until the meat changes color.

Step 4: Assembling the Soup

After the meat is well sautéed, add the finely chopped bell pepper and the tomato paste. Mix well and cook for a few more minutes. Then, pour this mixture into the pot with the broth and add the cubed potatoes. Let everything boil together, stirring occasionally. Add the sliced hot pepper if you want a spicier taste.

Step 5: Final Cooking

Allow the soup to simmer on low heat for another 30-40 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Check the taste and add salt or spices as desired. If you wish, you can also add semolina dumplings for extra texture.

Step 6: Resting the Flavors

Once the soup is ready, remove the pot from the heat and cover with a lid. Let it sit for a few minutes for the flavors to blend perfectly.

Serving

Serve Zama Gulas hot, with fresh hot peppers on the side for those who love spice. This soup is delicious and simple, but you can also add freshly chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness.

Useful Tips and Variations

- Meat tip: If you prefer leaner meat, you can use beef. This will give a different, yet equally tasty flavor.
- Variations: You can experiment with seasonal vegetables, adding zucchini or green beans for a different note.
- Frequently asked questions:
- *Can I use chicken?* Sure! Zama Gulas with chicken will be just as tasty, but the cooking time will be shorter.
- *How can I preserve the soup?* You can keep Zama Gulas in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it to enjoy later.

Nutritional Information

Zama Gulas is a nourishing choice, rich in proteins and vitamins from vegetables. A serving of soup (about 300ml) contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the type of meat used. It is an excellent source of iron, B vitamins, and antioxidants from vegetables.

Delicious Combinations

To complete the meal, you can serve Zama Gulas alongside a slice of fresh bread or with a simple green salad. A cold drink, such as fruit tea or natural juice, will further enhance the culinary experience.

I wish you much success in preparing this recipe! Each serving of Zama Gulas will bring a touch of warmth and care to your home, just as every traditional recipe does. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: -1 kg of lamb or beef - 2-3 bones with some meat - 0.75 kg of potatoes - 2-3 onions - 2-3 carrots - 1 bell pepper - 1-2 hot peppers - 150 g of tomato paste - 1 root of parsley or celery - 2 tablespoons of oil - salt - pepper - paprika - homemade seasoning