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.
