Goulash with smoked meat and potatoes

Goulash with Smoked Meat and Potatoes: A Comforting Recipe for the Soul

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

The history of goulash is rooted in the culinary traditions of pastoral communities, being a dish that symbolizes comfort and conviviality. Over time, goulash recipes have evolved, with each region contributing its personal touch, so there is no single way to prepare it. This recipe with smoked meat and potatoes adds extra flavor and warmth, perfect for chilly days or when you want to treat your family to a delicious dish.

Ingredients:
- 500 g pork for goulash, cut into cubes
- 8 pieces of boneless smoked bacon, cut into strips
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 4-6 pieces
- 200 g peeled tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable sauce
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 3-4 sprigs of fresh parsley, finely chopped

Step by step for a perfect goulash:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the pieces of pork and bacon well. Use a paper towel to pat them dry to remove excess water. This step is important for the meat to brown evenly. Peel and finely chop the onion. Peel and dice the carrot, and chop the bell pepper into small pieces.

2. Browning the meat: Heat the oil in a pot or deep pan over medium heat. Add the pieces of meat and smoked bacon. Browning the meat is essential to develop the flavors. Let the meat brown on all sides, being careful not to overcrowd the pot to avoid steaming it.

3. Adding the vegetables: Once the meat is browned, add the onion, carrot, and bell pepper. Let them sweat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors. This step will add depth to your goulash.

4. Boiling: Pour water into the pot to cover the ingredients. Cover with a lid and let it simmer over medium heat. During this time, the flavor of the smoked meat will infuse into the meat and vegetables.

5. Preparing the potatoes and tomatoes: While the goulash is simmering, peel and cut the potatoes into large cubes. Chop the peeled tomatoes. The potatoes will add a pleasant texture to the goulash, while the tomatoes will provide a fresh taste.

6. Adding the potatoes: After the meat has boiled for more than half the time, add the diced potatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and sweet paprika. The paprika will add a touch of color and flavor. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.

7. Finalizing the dish: Now it's time to add the tomatoes and check the consistency. If needed, add hot water. Cook until the potatoes are well cooked and the liquid has reduced sufficiently. Add the vegetable sauce and tomato paste, mixing well. Leave on the heat for a maximum of 2 minutes for the flavors to blend.

8. Serving: Finally, sprinkle finely chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness. Cover the pot and let the goulash rest for 10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to settle.

Goulash is served hot, alongside pickles or a fresh salad. An excellent combination would be with homemade bread, which you can use to soak up the savory sauce.

Practical tips:
- You can use beef or lamb instead of pork to bring a new dimension to the dish.
- If you like a spicier taste, add hot peppers during the vegetable preparation.
- Goulash improves with each day of rest, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance.
- A delicious variation would be to add mushrooms or eggplant to diversify the texture and add nutrition.

Nutrition: This recipe offers a balanced meal rich in protein due to the pork and fresh ingredients. The potatoes provide healthy carbohydrates, while the vegetables contribute essential vitamins.

Calories: A serving of goulash contains approximately 500-600 calories, depending on the portions of meat and the amount of oil used.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, but for the best results, fresh vegetables offer superior taste and texture.
- Is goulash good for freezing? Yes, goulash keeps well in the freezer and can be reheated without problems.
- What drinks pair well with goulash? A light beer or a medium red wine are excellent choices that can complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Goulash with smoked meat and potatoes will bring you closer to your loved ones, offering them a warm and comforting meal. Enjoy!