carpathian

While visiting a friend a few weeks ago in London I was treated to the most yummy beef goulash - and I knew I had to get my hands on the recipe! Luckily for me it was a Hairy Bikers recipe which are really easy to get hold of online, and even more to my delight this recipe is a part of their Hairy Dieters series - joy! I've adapted this slightly, but feel free to follow the original recipe from their website.

You will need (for 4 people)

500g lean beef casserole steak

2 onions, diced

2 peppers, cut into chunks

1 tin tomatoes

3 garlic cloves, crushed

2 tbsp tomato puree

1 tbsp hot paprika

1 tbsp paprika

1 beef stock cube

400ml cold water

2 bay leaves

Pappardelle pasta to serve

This is really simple - start off by frying your beef in a small amount of oil, and then adding the onions once the beef is browned, and then the garlic. Cook all together for a further five minutes. 

Sprinkle over the paprika(s) and the stock cube, then add the water, tomatoes, tomato puree and bay leaves. Season with some salt and pepper and bring to the boil. Pop a lid on and transfer to the oven for about 90 minutes. 

After the initial 90 minutes, add your peppers (I cut them into nice big chunks) and put back in the oven for another 30 minutes. After this I like to finish it off on the hob for a final 30 minutes - if you keep it bubbling away (on a simmer) the remaining broth will reduce down into a gorgeous rich, thick sauce. If you think it's becoming too dry, just top up with some water. 

I served this as my friend did with big fat pappardelle pasta (so worth the extra few calories pennies) and a dollop of creme fraiche on top. The Hairy Bikers suggest sour cream, what whatever you fancy I guess - quark or natural yogurt would equally do the job.

For me, this stew is even better the second time round - after being stored in the fridge or freezer and reheated (maybe adding more water if needed) the flavour is intensified. If you can make this at the weekend it would make a really tasty and simple mid-week dinner! Cook, divide into portions and freeze. Simples.