Grandma’s Goulash

The aroma of simmering beef, sweet peppers, and a hint of paprika fills the kitchen, a fragrant promise of comfort and warmth. It’s a culinary hug in a bowl, a taste of home that transcends generations.

Close your eyes and imagine a chilly evening, the kind where the wind howls outside, and all you crave is a dish that warms you from the inside out. That, my friends, is exactly where my mind goes when I think about Grandma’s Goulash, a dish with layers of flavors and a texture so tender, it practically melts in your mouth.

Recipe Highlights:

• This Goulash recipe is surprisingly simple to throw together, perfect for busy weeknights when comfort food is a must.

• The hearty combination of tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and rich spices creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

• With its vibrant colors and hearty ingredients, this Goulash is a feast for the eyes, making it an impressive dish to share with family and friends.

• Grandma’s Goulash is endlessly adaptable, making it easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or spice blends for a truly unique meal.

Ingredients for Grandma’s Goulash

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Beef Chuck Choose a well-marbled beef chuck roast for the best flavor and tenderness; cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Onions Yellow or white onions provide a foundational savory flavor; dice them finely for even cooking.

Bell Peppers A mix of red, green, and yellow bell peppers adds sweetness and vibrant color to the dish; remove seeds and membranes before dicing.

Canned Diced Tomatoes These provide a rich tomato base for the goulash; opt for fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky depth of flavor.

Beef Broth Low-sodium beef broth adds moisture and enhances the beefy flavor of the goulash; adjust the amount to your desired consistency.

Sweet Paprika This essential spice lends a characteristic sweetness and vibrant red color to the dish; use high-quality paprika for the best results.

Smoked Paprika A touch of smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth to the goulash, enhancing its overall flavor profile.

Caraway Seeds These add a slightly licorice-like flavor that complements the other spices in the goulash; use sparingly, as they can be quite potent.

Tomato Paste Adds concentrated tomato flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.

Olive Oil Used for sautéing the vegetables and browning the beef; use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.

Garlic Fresh garlic adds a pungent flavor to the dish; mince it finely to release its aromatic oils.

Bay Leaves These add a subtle, herbal aroma to the dish; remove them before serving.

Salt and Black Pepper Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients; season to taste.

Egg Noodles Serve the goulash over cooked egg noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Grandma’s Goulash

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Remove the beef and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Flavor

Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, and caraway seeds. Add the bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Return the seared beef to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Adjust and Serve

Remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the goulash is too thick, add a little more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Final Touch

Serve the Grandma’s Goulash hot over cooked egg noodles. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley can add a nice finishing touch. Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve culinary nirvana with Grandma’s Goulash, sear your beef cubes first for maximum flavor. While that’s happening, get your pasta water boiling. Simultaneously prep your veggies; a well-orchestrated dance ensures nothing’s waiting and everything cooks harmoniously.

Add Your Touch

Feeling adventurous? Swap out the traditional beef for diced chicken or lamb. Kick up the spice with a pinch of red pepper flakes or add some roasted sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness. Grandma would approve… probably.

Storing & Reheating

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your Grandma’s Goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist and delicious.

Here are some tips to guarantee goulash glory:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the beef; work in batches to get a beautiful, flavorful crust on every piece.
• Taste and adjust your seasonings frequently; a little extra paprika or a splash of vinegar can brighten up the whole dish.
• Let the goulash simmer on low heat for a longer period; this allows the flavors to meld together into pure magic.

(Personal anecdote formated as paragraph subheading)

I remember the first time I made this for my friends; they devoured it so fast, I barely got a bowl! The secret? A generous pinch of smoked paprika. It adds a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Conclusion for Grandma’s Goulash:

Grandma’s Goulash isn’t just a recipe; it’s a legacy of flavor and love passed down through generations. The tender beef, sweet paprika, and savory vegetables come together in a symphony of comfort. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s easy to adapt to your taste, and it gets even better with time. Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a dish that will warm hearts and fill bellies. Enjoy every spoonful of this truly special goulash!

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FAQs:

What makes Grandma’s Goulash so special?

Let me tell you, it’s not just the perfectly tender beef or the sweet, smoky paprika. It’s the secret ingredient: a heaping spoonful of love! Okay, maybe not literally. But Grandma poured her heart into this dish, and you can taste it. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out, brings back cherished memories and creates new ones. It’s a dish designed to be shared and savored with the people you hold closest. Every bite is a hug from the past.

Can I make Grandma’s Goulash ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. Like a fine wine or a really good joke, this goulash gets better with age. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight, creating a richer, more complex flavor profile. Just let it cool completely, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and gently reheat it on the stovetop the next day. You might even find yourself sneaking a spoonful cold – don’t worry, I won’t tell!

What’s the best way to thicken Grandma’s Goulash if it’s too watery?

Don’t panic! We’ve all been there. A simple fix is to mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Then, slowly stir the slurry into the goulash while it’s simmering. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens to your liking. Another trick is to mash some of the potatoes in the goulash – they’ll act as a natural thickening agent. Just be careful not to over-thicken it, or you’ll end up with something closer to potato cement than goulash.

Is it possible to freeze Grandma’s Goulash?

You bet! This is a fantastic meal prep option. Let the goulash cool down completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Be sure to leave a little room at the top, as the liquid will expand when frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. It’s like having a little piece of Grandma’s love on standby, ready to warm you up on a cold day.