G is for Goulash

ABC Wednesday
August 24th, 2016

The letter is G for Goulash

Not part of my repertoire, 

but I have such fond memories of the goulash made by a family friend, 

when I was a child.

And so the other day I made a pot of Goulash

and although not exactly enchanted by it

I was really very pleased, and vowed to make more. 

I made my Goulash American style,

 with ground beef and tomatoes and

elbow macaroni

But I am reminded of the wonderful history of

Hungarian Goulash

and the practically of taking along a

dish that cooks while you herd cattle.

   

This thick, hearty dish is popular with herdsmen in Hungary.

They make it in a cast-iron kettle hung above an open fire, out in the fields. 

The herdsmen have the best ingredients at hand -  prime quality beef, and as it cooks while

they work it goes well with their lifestyle.

During the 19th century, when there was a general raising of

national awareness of Hungarian culture

language and 'gastronomical delights'

this peasant dish came to be accepted by town folk, and even the elite.

Today it is a tourists' favourite, and is featured

in all the best restaurants in Budapest, 

throughout Hungary, and with

slight national variations in many other

countries of Europe.

You ask for Gulyas - Hungarian for Herdsman.

Here is a Classical Hungarian Goulash Recipe

Heat up a couple of tablespoons of oil or lard in a heavy pot and braise 2 medium chopped up onions

until they are a nice golden brown, - 

then add two cups of beef cubes, stirring a bit until they become brown.

Add 2 cloves of garlic, 2 diced carrots, 1 diced parsnip, a couple of celery leaves 

and 2 or 3 medium potatoes, sliced, 

i tablespoon of Hungarian paprika and

a teaspoon of caraway seed.  

along with one bay leaf. some ground black pepper and salt to taste.

When the vegetables and meat are almost done add 2 medium tomatoes, 

peeled and chopped and the sliced green peppers.

Let it cook on low heat for another few minutes.

If you want to be really Classical here is where you

bring the mixture to a boil and add the CSIPETKE, or

small Hungarian noodles. 

A Hungarian Herdsman in Traditional Finery

doubtless ordering a bowl of Goulash.

Hungarian Style.

Here is a Hungarian Folk Song and some scenes that will perhaps

give you a taste of Hungary and its culture.

For more interesting Gs click here at ABC Wednesday,

with thanks to Roger, Denise, Leslie and

all grand helpers.