New Year's Goulash

 

 In the heart of Hungary, amidst the vibrant tapestry of Budapest, a culinary masterpiece emerges from the kitchens of homes and restaurants alike during the festive season of New Year's. This dish, known as New Year's Goulash, is a testament to the Hungarian tradition of hearty and comforting cuisine, believed to bring good fortune and prosperity in the year to come. New Year's Goulash, a delectable fusion of flavors and textures, is a testament to the Hungarian culinary spirit. With its generous helpings of beef, vegetables, and fragrant spices, this dish is a symphony of savory notes that dance upon the palate. The pork, tender and succulent, melts in the mouth, while the potatoes add a vibrant crunch and freshness. Beyond its gustatory delights, New Year's Goulash holds a profound cultural significance. It is a dish steeped in tradition, passed down through generations of Hungarian families. The act of preparing and sharing the goulash on New Year's Eve is a ritual that symbolizes the bonds of family and the hope for a prosperous future. As the clock strikes midnight and fireworks illuminate the sky, families gather around the table, their hearts filled with anticipation and gratitude. A steaming bowl of New Year's Goulash is placed in the center of the table, a beacon of warmth and nourishment. Each spoonful is savored slowly, carrying with it the weight of tradition and the promise of a bright future.


 Among the many ingredients that make up New Year's Goulash, one stands out as a symbol of good luck and fortune: the paprika. This vibrant spice, a staple of Hungarian cooking, is said to represent the sun and its life-giving powers. A generous sprinkle of paprika not only enhances the flavor of the goulash but also imbues it with the hope of a prosperous year ahead. As the night unfolds and the festivities continue, the aroma of New Year's Goulash fills the air, enveloping the home in a cozy embrace. It is a reminder of the enduring spirit of the Hungarian people, their resilience, and their deep love for their culinary traditions. In the days that follow, the leftovers of New Year's Goulash are cherished, providing sustenance and comfort to those who have celebrated the arrival of the new year. 

Each bite is a reminder of the bonds that unite them and the hope that the year to come will be filled with blessings and triumphs. Thus, New Year's Goulash, more than just a dish, is a cherished tradition that embodies the essence of Hungarian culture and the enduring bonds of family and community. It is a culinary masterpiece that fills the heart with warmth, the stomach with nourishment, and the soul with the hope of a prosperous future.




Serves;4

Cooking time; 60 minutes 

Total time;80 minutes 


Ingredients 

200 grams of onion, halved

4 cloves of garlic

20 grams of lard

200 grams of English bacon, diced

350 grams of pork, shoulder boneless, diced, salted and peppered

2 teaspoons red pepper, sweet

600 grams of water

1 beef bouillon cube

500 grams of potatoes, peeled, diced

1 piece of tomato puree, bigger

1 ½ teaspoons marjoram, dried

1 pinch of salt

1 pinch of pepper


Preparation

Chop  onion, garlic finely.

Add lard, bacon, pork shoulder and saute for 8 minutes . A minute before the end, add the red pepper .

Add water, broth and cook 30 minutes in medium heat.

Add potatoes, puree and cook for 15 minutes in medium heat.

Add marjoram, salt, pepper and cook 2 minutes .

Serve immediately or refrigerate until the next day.



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