Pork goulash a la Edi

Pork Gulyás a la Edi: A Comfort Recipe with Intense Flavor

On a cool evening, when the craving for something spicy and hearty strikes, nothing is more suitable than a pork gulyás. This recipe, inspired by culinary traditions, combines tender meat, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, creating a dish that not only warms your soul but also fills you with satisfaction.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

- 800 g pork shoulder (choose a piece with a little fat for a richer taste)
- 2 yellow onions (which add a sweet and aromatic flavor)
- 2 bell peppers (for sweetness and a splash of color)
- 4 tomatoes (ideally, use ripe and juicy tomatoes)
- 1 super hot pepper (for those who love spice)
- 50 ml sunflower oil (for frying)
- Iodized salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground pepper (for an extra touch of flavor)
- Sweet and hot paprika (for a deep taste)
- Thyme, oregano, rosemary (aromatic herbs are essential for an authentic gulyás)
- 2 eggs (to form the dumplings)
- 4 heaping tablespoons of flour (for a slightly dense texture)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling and finely chopping the onion. It’s important to move quickly at this step, as the onion oxidizes rapidly and can become bitter. If you have a favorite song, you can play it while cooking to make the process more enjoyable.

2. Sautéing the onion: In a large pot, add a little oil and water, then add the chopped onion to sauté. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and starts to caramelize. This step will bring a sweet and rich flavor to your dish.

3. Adding the vegetables: Clean and chop the bell peppers, then add them to the onion. Let them sauté together for a few minutes until the peppers become soft. Now, the pork should be prepared. Cut the shoulder into cubes of about 2-3 cm. This will allow for even and quick cooking.

4. Adding the meat: Put the meat cubes in the pot and season with salt, pepper, sweet and hot paprika, and the aromatic herbs (thyme, oregano, rosemary). Mix well to coat the meat with the spices. This is when the aroma will start to fill the kitchen!

5. Boiling: Add 1000 ml of water and let the gulyás simmer over medium heat, partially covered, for about 30 minutes. Check occasionally to ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot and stir gently.

6. Adding the tomatoes and hot pepper: Once the meat has tenderized, add the peeled and diced tomatoes along with the finely chopped super hot pepper. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes. The tomatoes will add a fresh taste and pleasant acidity to the dish.

7. Preparing the dumplings: In a separate bowl, beat the 2 eggs with a pinch of salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing constantly until you obtain a semi-thick dough, slightly denser than pancake batter. It’s essential that the fork you use is always wet to prevent the dumplings from sticking.

8. Adding the dumplings to the gulyás: Using the fork, take small portions of the egg and flour mixture and drop them into the gulyás. The dumplings will puff up and add a pleasant texture. Let everything simmer for 15 minutes until the dumplings are cooked.

9. Serving: The gulyás is ready! Serve it hot, with a slice of fresh bread on the side. You can sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness.

Practical tips:

- If you want a spicier gulyás, you can add more hot pepper or even a bit of hot sauce.
- Instead of pork, you can use beef or even chicken for a lighter version.
- The gulyás keeps very well in the fridge and can be reheated the next day, with the flavors intensifying.

Nutritional information:

This pork gulyás recipe contains rich proteins from the meat, fiber from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the oil used. One serving contains approximately 500 calories, depending on the portion and exact ingredients used. It’s a hearty meal, perfect for a family dinner.

This pork gulyás a la Edi is not just a simple dish; it’s a culinary experience that brings family and friends together. I suggest enjoying it with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a perfect combination.

I wish you good appetite and hope you enjoy every bite! If you have questions or suggestions, feel free to share them. Cooking is an art, and every recipe has a story to tell. What other recipes do you prefer to try?