Winter is in full swing and though welcome, the brisk temperatures and frequent snowstorms are making us feel a little chilled. Not to worry, CDA’s Colorado Proud has you covered to keep you warm with this classic. We present to you, “Hearty Colorado Goulash.” This comforting and easy one pot meal is a medley of carbs, protein, fats and fiber that will feed you for days.
The history of goulash is a long one, dating back to agriculture in 9th century Hungary. Originally eaten by Magyar shepherds, the stew would be made before shepherds set out with their flocks. It was prepared as a portable stock of food by slowly cooking cut-up meats with onions and other flavorings until the liquids had been absorbed. The stew was then dried in the sun and packed into bags made of sheep stomachs. At mealtime, water was added to a portion of the meat to reconstitute it into a soup or stew (Britannica). For our 21st century purposes, let’s substitute the sheep stomach for a stock pot and add some new, delicious flavors.
Our goulash features the robust addition of Colorado beef, which is a great source of 10 essential nutrients that support a heart-healthy lifestyle including protein, zinc, iron and B vitamins according to the Colorado Beef Council. Look for the Colorado Proud logo at your local butcher shop or on packaging in the supermarket. Or check out the Colorado Beef’s Directory to find a rancher near you. And while we suggest peppers and onions for this recipe -- as they are particularly tasty and easy to find during the winter months - you can add just about any of your favorite Colorado Proud produce or spices to enhance the flavors.
Each month the Colorado Department of Agriculture features a different ag commodity to highlight the variety and quality of products grown and raised in the state. For December, Chef Jason Morse of 5280 Culinary brings us roasted Colorado beef, vegetables, and pork.
Chef Jason says, “Enjoy Hearty Colorado Goulash as another satisfying and filling way to create an old favorite. Happy Cooking!”
Hearty Colorado Goulash
Chef Jason K. Morse, C.E.C., 5280 Culinary, LLC and Ace Hardware Grill Expert
Yield: Serves 6 people
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
2 tbsp of bacon fat
1 medium yellow onion, diced small
2 cloves of minced or crushed garlic
1 large green bell pepper, diced small
2 lbs of Colorado ground beef, 80/20 fat
(2) 15 oz cans of tomato sauce
(2) 15 oz cans of petite diced tomatoes
4 cups of beef stock
4 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp of kosher or maldon salt (adjust as needed)
2 tbsp of fresh ground black pepper (adjust as needed)
2-4 tbsp of smoked, sweet paprika
2 bay leaves, broken in half
3 cups of uncooked elbow pasta, mezze rigatoni or trottole
Directions:
- Wash all tools prior to use
- Clean and sanitize all cutting boards and prep surfaces prior to use
- Read all manufacturer’s instructions before using grills, starters and any cooking tools
Cooking Instructions:
Add bacon fat and heat for 30 seconds
Add onions and peppers and saute for 3 minutes
Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute
Add ground beef and cook until 3/4 browned
Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, stock, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings
Stir to combine and bring to a simmer (about 6-8 minutes)
Adjust seasoning if needed
Add pasta and stir in to combine
Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until pasta is cooked to your desired doneness
Scoop into bowls and serve with sliced bread
Devour!
If you are of legal drinking age and would like to add a wine with your meal, the Colorado Wine Board suggests Carboy Winery Petit Verdot Reserve. For a different alcoholic treat, check out Dos Luces Brewery, which makes both Chicha beer and Craft Soda: a light and sweet drink brewed from Purple Corn that is naturally rich in antioxidants, sweetened with a touch of Panela to add depth, fruited with Peruvian lime juice for some citrus acidity, and spiced with cinnamon and clove to create a balanced and complex flavor.
Visit ColoradoProud.org for more ideas and a complete list of recipes.
