Tasty Tuesday: Goulash

Goulash. Either you love it or you've never had it. Probably because you think it's loaded with everything you don't like. But really, after a handful of key ingredients, goulash can be anything you want it to be.

 

 I made a no veggie (other than tomatoes of course) version the other night when my in-laws were over. My father-in-law got a little excited because either his mother or his grandmother (I can't remember which), used to make goulash for him when he was a kid. And he hadn't had it since. When he was finished, I asked him how it was. He said it was "really good", then got up to get another plateful.

 

Sans Parmesan cheese because I didn't get that far before I took a picture.

 

•1lb. hamburger

•1 med. sized onion, chopped

•2 cloves garlic, minced

•water

•1-15oz. can tomato sauce

•1-15oz. can diced tomatoes

•pinch each of Italian seasoning, chili powder, crushed red pepper & dried tarragon leaves

•2 pinches of paprika

•2 whole bay leaves

•1-2tsp. sugar

•2 spoonfuls of oil packed, julienned sun-dried tomatoes

•leftover spaghetti sauce, hey why not?! (completely optional)

•salt & black pepper

•elbow macaroni

•sour cream

•Parmesan cheese

 

- Start by browning your hamburger in a large pot, draining off grease when done.

- Add onion & garlic, saute 2-3 min. until slightly tender.

- Add remaining ingredients except elbow macaroni, sour cream & Parmesan cheese.

- Cover & allow to simmer for 20-25 min.

- Add elbow macaroni & continue to simmer, covered, another 15 min.

- Remove bay leaves & adjust water if need be. Continue simmering until macaroni is cooked through.

- Just before serving, add a couple spoonfuls of sour cream & stir well to combine. 

- Serve topped with Parmesan cheese, salt & pepper to taste.

 

***Remember that everything is really in desired amounts, so adjust according to personal tastes. You can also add any veggies you'd like to, if desired. 

***Add garlic bread & a side salad for a complete meal.