Goulash - paprika

Goulash Paprikas – A Flavorful Journey into the Heart of Traditional Cuisine

Goulash Paprikas is more than just a dish: it is a story of tradition, a feast of flavors, and a symbol of conviviality. This colorful and savory recipe transports us to a world where meals are enjoyed together, accompanied by a glass of red wine and good cheer. I invite you to discover step by step how to prepare this delicious goulash, which will surely become a part of your culinary repertoire.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:

- 1 kg pork or beef (choose quality meat with a little fat for a richer taste)
- 1-2 smoked homemade sausages (the sausages add extra flavor)
- 1 large onion (preferably red for a sweeter taste)
- 1-2 bell peppers (for sweetness)
- 1-2 green bell peppers (for crunch)
- 2-3 tomatoes (fresh for acidity)
- 5-6 potatoes (to thicken the goulash)
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika (check the label to ensure quality)
- 1 head of garlic (for added flavor)
- 2 very hot peppers (optional, depending on preference)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (this spice will add complexity)
- 3-4 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Oil or 1-2 tablespoons of lard (lard will add a deeper flavor)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

For the dumplings:

- 8 tablespoons of flour
- 1 egg
- Salt (to taste)

Preparing Goulash Paprikas:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the meat well, then cut it into cubes of about 3-4 cm. This will help with even cooking. If using pork, choose a piece from the loin or shoulder, and for beef, choose the shank or neck.

2. Chopping the vegetables: Peel the onion and garlic, then chop them finely. The tomatoes can be peeled (optional) and diced. Remove the seeds from the peppers and slice them into strips.

3. Sautéing the meat: In a large pot, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil or lard and heat it well. Add the meat and the sausages cut into rounds. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the meat begins to brown slightly.

4. Adding the vegetables: Put the onion and garlic into the pot and sauté them together with the meat for 2-3 minutes. Add the sweet paprika and stir quickly to avoid burning it. This step is essential to release the flavors of the paprika.

5. Cooking the goulash: Add the potato cubes, peppers, tomatoes, cumin, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Pour enough beef broth or water over the ingredients to cover them well. Let the goulash simmer on low heat, covered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

6. Preparing the dumplings: In a bowl, mix the flour with the egg and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water until you obtain a soft but not sticky dough. Let it rest for a few minutes. Boil salted water in a separate pot. When the water is boiling, either break small pieces from the dough and throw them into the water or use a device to cut them. Boil the dumplings for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking.

7. Finishing the goulash: When the meat and vegetables are cooked, add the dumplings and chopped parsley. Gently stir and let the goulash stay on the heat for another 5 minutes to combine the flavors.

8. Serving: Serve the goulash hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. It is delicious alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. For a complete experience, offer a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Useful tips:
- Spicy version: If you like spicy food, you can add more hot peppers or even a bit of chili sauce.
- Goulash with sour cream: You can add a tablespoon of sour cream at serving for a creamy contrast to the spicy flavors.
- Storage: The goulash keeps very well in the refrigerator and becomes even tastier the next day.

Nutritional benefits:
This goulash is an excellent source of protein from meat and vegetables, also providing carbohydrates from potatoes. Garlic and onion add antioxidants, and the vegetables are rich in fiber.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use chicken instead of pork or beef? Yes, but the cooking time will be shorter, so make sure not to overcook it.
- How can I make the goulash thicker? You can add more potatoes or even beans if you want a heartier goulash.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? You can replace the meat with mushrooms or seasonal vegetables, and the sausages with a plant-based substitute.

Now that you have all the necessary information, I encourage you to try this Goulash Paprikas recipe and share it with your loved ones. Each serving is an invitation to savor tradition, flavors, and the joy of cooking!