Re: Spring 2016 | Page 49

Goulash that you are left with a thick consistency (without lumps of course)! The stew Slice the onions (in rings) and lightly fry on a tablespoon of sunflower oil in a large pan until golden in colour. Cut the beef into very small pieces (getting rid of any excess fat etc) and rub the pieces into the white flour, but don’t overdo it! Then fry the meat separately in a large frying pan on sunflower oil until brown in colour and transfer to the larger pan. Heat the pan up (medium will do) and add freshly boiled water for the sauce. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Goulash comes from the medieval Kingdom of Hungary but is a real favourite in Europe. My Polish mother has shared her simple yet effective recipe for goulash or ‘gulasz’ – perfect whatever the season! This version consists of a succulent meaty stew accompanied by mashed potatoes and delicious beetroot (my absolute favourite). Alternatively, you may serve it up with homemade potato dumplings, but I’m going to keep it simple here. This recipe is designed to serve 4-5 people, so just adjust the ingredients according to your needs. (You may need to allocate 2-2 ½ hours prep and cooking time for 4-5 people). Ingredients • Beef - Waitrose’s essential sliced shin recommended (3 packs) • 2 large white onions • Chestnut mushrooms (1 packet) • Potatoes (1 packet – medium sized) • Ready cooked beetroots (plain, without vinegar) – 5 packets • Dollop of Total’s plain full fat yoghurt • Handful of flat parsley leaves • 2 tbspn single cream (full fat) • Plain flour • Semi skimmed Milk • Butter • Sunflower oil • Ground paprika Mashed potatoes It’s always best to get the potatoes out the way. Peel the potatoes, chop into quarters and place in a large pan of water, adding a pinch of salt. Then gradually bring to a boil until soft. Drain and mash in a large bowl adding enough milk and butter so Next, slice the mushrooms (thin is best) and add to the pan, giving it a good stir. Leave to cook and simmer. Add enough water for the sauce (at your discretion). Then add a few tablespoons of single cream. Chop the parsley leaves and add together with a few teaspoons of paprika. Beetroots Finely grate all the beetroots into a pan and add salt and pepper (use the small holes on the grater). Add a tablespoonful or two of full fat yoghurt and cook (medium) until hot. Don’t overdo it with the yoghurt though as it may end up too creamy. Add enough just to take the edge off. Once everything is ready, serve the meaty stew with the potatoes and beetroot on the side and enjoy. Smacznego! Or in Hungarian jó étvágyat! By Magda Zimnicki 49