Pork goulash with dark beer

Pork goulash with dark beer - a recipe that combines tradition with the flavor and warmth of a family meal. This dish is highly appreciated for its rich flavors and delicate texture, and goulash has become a symbol of hospitality, often served at gatherings with loved ones. Each bite of goulash is like a warm hug, and the dark beer adds a deep and complex note that transforms this dish into a memorable culinary experience.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500 g pork shoulder (or neck/ribs, for a more intense flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of lard (or sunflower oil)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 500 g new potatoes, peeled and diced
- 500 g carrots, peeled and sliced thicker
- 1 dark beer (500 ml)
- 1-2 tablespoons of mustard (for flavor)
- 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste (or fresh tomatoes, in season)
- 1 teaspoon of marjoram
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder, optional
- A little cornstarch (or flour) for thickening

Step by step for a perfect goulash:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cutting the pork shoulder into cubes of about 2-3 cm. This will allow the meat to cook evenly and become tender. Make sure you have all the ingredients prepared at hand to make the cooking process as smooth as possible.

2. Browning the meat: In a large pot or cauldron, heat the lard (or oil) over medium heat. Add the meat cubes and brown them on all sides. This will help develop the flavors and provide a delicious base for your goulash.

3. Adding the vegetables: Once the meat is well browned, add the finely chopped onion and crushed garlic. Cook everything together for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and soft. This step is essential to release the flavors from the onion and garlic, which will enrich the goulash.

4. Seasoning: Add the mustard, salt, pepper, cumin, and marjoram. Mix well to coat the meat and vegetables with these aromatic spices. These herbs and spices add a specific and complex taste to the dish.

5. Adding the beer: Pour half of the beer (250 ml) over the meat and vegetable mixture. Cover the pot with a lid and let everything simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes. The dark beer will help tenderize the meat and infuse the dish with a rich and deep flavor.

6. Preparing the vegetables: Meanwhile, peel and chop the potatoes and carrots. These vegetables not only add a pleasant texture but also a contrast of flavors that perfectly complements the meat.

7. Thickening the sauce: After the meat has simmered, add the chopped vegetables (potatoes and carrots) to the pot. Pour in the remaining beer and the tomato paste (or fresh tomatoes, if you choose this option). Cover the pot again and let everything simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables become tender and the flavors meld.

8. Thickening the sauce (optional): If you want a thicker sauce, mix a little cornstarch or flour with a few tablespoons of the goulash sauce to form a paste. Add this paste to the pot and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and thickens.

9. Serving: The goulash is ready to serve! You can add sour cream on top for extra creaminess and garnish with fresh green parsley leaves. This addition will not only provide a pleasant appearance but also a fresh note to the dish.

Useful tips:
- If you don't have pork shoulder on hand, you can use neck or ribs, which add a rich flavor due to the layers of fat.
- Don't be afraid of the extra calories from fat; they contribute to the flavor of the goulash!
- In the warm season, you can replace the tomato paste with fresh, meaty tomatoes for a more vibrant taste.

Variations:
- You can add celery, parsley, or parsnip for a more complex goulash.
- If you prefer a spicier goulash, add more chili powder or other spicy seasonings.

Perfect pairings:
This pork goulash with dark beer pairs perfectly with a crunchy white cabbage salad, which will add a pleasant contrast of textures. You can also enjoy this dish with fresh bread, ideal for dipping into the flavorful sauce.

Nutritional benefits:
Goulash is an excellent source of protein from the meat, and the vegetables add essential fiber and vitamins. Additionally, dark beer contains antioxidants that can benefit your health.

Goulash is more than just a meal; it is a cooking and enjoying experience with loved ones, a moment of connection and joy. So don't hesitate to invite your friends or family for a hearty meal full of delicious flavors and stories woven around the table!