Aunt Cecil’s Goulash

Aunt Cecil’s Goulash 🍲

Aunt Cecil’s Goulash is a classic comfort food dish that has been enjoyed by generations. This hearty and flavorful dish has a rich history, and I’m here to provide you with a detailed description, including its history, components, preparation steps, and estimated preparation time. 🕒

History:
Goulash, or “gulyás” in Hungarian, has its origins in Hungary and is considered one of the country’s national dishes. It was traditionally prepared by Hungarian cattle herders (gulyás) as a simple and filling stew. Over time, goulash has evolved into various regional versions and has made its way into the culinary traditions of many countries, including the United States.

Components:
Aunt Cecil’s Goulash typically consists of the following components:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground pork)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 🧅
• 1 bell pepper, diced 🫑
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes 🍅
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce 🍅
• 2 cups elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice 🍝
• 1 tablespoon paprika 🌶️
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 🌿
• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
• Grated cheese for topping 🧀
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish 🌱

Preparation Steps:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onions, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until they become tender and aromatic.
3. Stir in the paprika, dried oregano, and dried basil. These spices will add depth and flavor to the dish.
4. Add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Mix everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente.
6. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the meat and sauce mixture. Stir well to combine.
7. Season the goulash with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to ensure all the flavors meld together.
9. Serve hot, garnished with grated cheese and fresh parsley.

Preparation Time:
Aunt Cecil’s Goulash typically takes around 30-40 minutes to prepare, making it a relatively quick and convenient meal option for busy evenings.

This delightful dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors, making it a family favorite. The savory ground meat, the sweetness of the bell peppers, the richness of the tomato-based sauce, and the comforting pasta all come together to create a dish that’s truly heartwarming. Enjoy Aunt Cecil’s Goulash, and share it with your loved ones! 🍽️😋

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Aunt Cecil’s Goulash:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 20-25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 3-5 grams
• Sugars: 6-8 grams
• Fat: 15-20 grams
• Saturated Fat: 5-8 grams
• Cholesterol: 40-50 mg
• Sodium: 600-700 mg
• Potassium: 500-600 mg
• Vitamin A: 15-20% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 40-50% of the DV
• Calcium: 10-15% of the DV
• Iron: 20-25% of the DV

Health Information:

• Aunt Cecil’s Goulash can be a satisfying and balanced meal, offering a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients.
• The dish is relatively high in protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
• It provides a moderate amount of fiber, which supports digestive health and can help keep you feeling full.
• The vitamin A content comes from the bell peppers and tomatoes, contributing to good vision, a healthy immune system, and skin health.
• The high vitamin C content from the bell peppers and tomatoes is important for boosting the immune system and aiding in the absorption of iron from plant-based sources.
• The iron content is particularly beneficial for those who may have dietary restrictions or follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.
• While goulash is a delicious meal, it is important to moderate your portion size, as it can be calorie-dense. You can also opt for lean ground meat to reduce the saturated fat content.
• For a healthier twist, consider using whole-grain pasta to increase the fiber content of the dish.

It’s important to remember that the exact nutritional content can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe. For the most accurate nutritional information, you can input the ingredients and quantities into a nutrition calculator or consult with a registered dietitian. Enjoy your goulash in moderation as part of a balanced diet! 😊🍽️