Hungarian Goulash Recipe

Hungarian Goulash Recipe

History:
Hungarian Goulash, or "gulyás" in Hungarian, is a traditional dish that originated in Hungary. It is known as a hearty and flavorful stew that was traditionally cooked by Hungarian herdsmen called "gulyás" while out in the fields tending to their livestock. Goulash is deeply ingrained in Hungarian culture and has become a symbol of Hungarian cuisine. It is enjoyed not only in Hungary but also around the world, with various interpretations and adaptations.

Fun Facts:
1. The word "gulyás" originally referred to the herdsmen rather than the dish itself. Over time, it became synonymous with the dish due to its association with the herdsmen's hearty meals.
2. Hungarian Goulash is often considered the national dish of Hungary and is loved by locals and tourists alike.
3. Goulash has a long history, with roots dating back to the 9th century. It has evolved over time, incorporating different ingredients and cooking methods.
4. Traditionally, Hungarian Goulash was prepared in a cast-iron kettle over an open fire, giving it a unique smoky flavor.
5. Goulash was originally a peasant dish, made with inexpensive ingredients like beef and vegetables. It was easy to prepare and provided nourishment for large groups of people.

Ingredients:
- 2 pounds top round of beef, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- A little flour, for sprinkling
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 ounces salt pork, diced
- 6 whole cloves
- 2 cups of tomatoes, diced
- 6 peppercorns
- 1 stalk of celery, chopped
- 1 blade of mace

Sauce Ingredients:
- Water
- Flour, for thickening
- Salt and paprika, to taste

Optional Garnish:
- Potatoes, carrots, and green peppers, cooked and cut into small pieces or strips
- Noodles, for serving

Instructions:

1. Sprinkle the beef pieces with flour, ensuring they are well coated.

2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, fry the diced salt pork until it turns a light brown color.

3. Add the floured beef to the pot and cook slowly for about 35 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef is browned on all sides.

4. Add enough water to cover the beef, along with the bay leaves, cloves, tomatoes, peppercorns, celery, and mace. Simmer the mixture over low heat for approximately two hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together.

5. In a separate saucepan, cook the remaining vegetables (potatoes, carrots, and green peppers) until tender.

6. While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small pot, combine water and the cooked vegetables and spices. Cook for 20 minutes, then pass the mixture through a sieve to remove any solids.

7. Take a portion of the stock in which the meat was cooked and mix it with the sieved sauce. Gradually add flour to the mixture, using 2 tablespoonfuls of flour moistened with cold water for each cup of liquid. This helps thicken the sauce. Season with salt and paprika to taste.

8. Once the sauce has thickened, pour it over the cooked beef, covering all the pieces.

9. To serve, arrange cooked noodles in a border on a platter. Place the beef and sauce on top of the noodles. Alternatively, you can sprinkle the dish with the cooked vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and green peppers, for added flavor and presentation.

Hungarian Goulash is traditionally enjoyed with a side of crusty bread or Hungarian dumplings called "nokedli."

Other Similar Dishes:
Hungarian cuisine offers a variety of other delicious and comforting dishes that are worth exploring. Some examples include:

1. Chicken Paprikash: A popular Hungarian dish made with chicken pieces simmered in a rich paprika-infused sauce, served with egg noodles or dumplings.
2. Lángos: A deep-fried dough made from flour, yeast, and water, typically topped with sour cream, cheese, and garlic.
3. Somlói Galuska: A layered dessert consisting of sponge cake, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and rum-soaked raisins and walnuts.
4. Dobos Torte: A classic Hungarian cake made of multiple layers of sponge cake filled with chocolate buttercream and topped with caramel.

Exploring these dishes will give you a further appreciation for the diverse and flavorful cuisine of Hungary!