Heart Gulash

Heart Gulash Recipe from Romania - Beef Heart, Flour, Onion, Lard, Butter, Tomato Paste, Pepper

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Heart Goulash is a hearty and flavorful dish made with beef heart, onions, and a rich tomato-based sauce. This dish is a traditional favorite in many Eastern European countries and is sure to warm you up on a cold day.

History

Heart Goulash has been a popular dish in Eastern European cuisine for centuries. It is a simple and affordable dish that was often made by peasants and farmers using ingredients that were readily available. The dish has since become a beloved comfort food that is enjoyed by many around the world.

Ingredients

1.75 lb / 750 g beef heart
0.5 tbsp flour
1 onion
2 – 3 tbsp lard
butter or oil
1 tbsp tomato paste
pepper, salt

How to prepare

Wash and cube the heart. Fry it slightly in a pan with shortening and finely chopped onion. Add flour and mix well. Cover with warm water.
Cover and simmer for 0.5 hour.
Add tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
Serve with hot mashed or boiled potatoes.

Variations

You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to the goulash for added flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cube the beef heart into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

- Browning the meat before adding the liquid will help to develop a rich flavor in the dish.

- Simmer the goulash on low heat for a long period of time to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Heart Goulash with hot mashed or boiled potatoes for a complete and filling meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a delicious Heart Goulash is to simmer it slowly on low heat to allow the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find beef heart, you can use beef stew meat or beef chuck as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Heart Goulash can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Heart Goulash in a bowl with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Heart Goulash pairs well with a side of crusty bread and a simple green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

5g per serving

Fats

15g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This dish may contain allergens such as wheat (from the flour) and soy (from the tomato paste).

Summary

Heart Goulash is a high-protein dish that is rich in iron and other essential nutrients. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cold winter day.

Summary

Heart Goulash is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its rich flavors and tender meat, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a cold winter day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria, who lived in the small village of Transylvania. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma that filled the air.

Maria was standing over a large pot, stirring a rich and hearty stew that bubbled and simmered on the stove. The ingredients she used were unlike anything I had ever seen before - chunks of tender beef, paprika, onions, garlic, and a secret blend of spices that she refused to reveal.

I watched in awe as Maria worked her magic, adding a little bit of this and a little bit of that, tasting and adjusting until she was satisfied. She explained to me that this was her family recipe for Heart Gulash, a traditional dish that had been passed down through the generations.

As we sat down to enjoy the steaming bowl of stew, I couldn't help but ask Maria to teach me how to make it. She smiled and agreed, saying that she was happy to pass on the recipe to someone who appreciated it as much as I did.

Over the next few weeks, I spent countless hours in Maria's kitchen, learning the intricacies of making Heart Gulash. She taught me the importance of using high-quality ingredients, the right cooking techniques, and most importantly, cooking with love and passion.

I quickly realized that making Heart Gulash was more than just following a recipe - it was a labor of love, a way to connect with my roots and honor my heritage. I would spend hours chopping onions, browning the beef, and letting the stew simmer slowly on the stove, filling the house with that irresistible aroma that always reminded me of Maria's kitchen.

As the years went by, I continued to perfect my recipe for Heart Gulash, adding my own twist and experimenting with different flavors. I shared the dish with friends and family, who all raved about its rich and comforting taste.

One day, my own granddaughter came to visit me and asked me to teach her how to make Heart Gulash. I was overjoyed at the opportunity to pass on this cherished recipe to another generation. Together, we spent hours in the kitchen, laughing, talking, and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

As we sat down to enjoy our steaming bowls of stew, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. My grandmother had taught me how to make Heart Gulash, and now I was passing on that knowledge to my own granddaughter. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting connections.

And so, the tradition continues. Each time I make Heart Gulash, I think of Maria and my grandmother, and the love and passion they poured into every pot of stew. I am grateful for the memories, the lessons, and the delicious meals that have brought so much joy to my life.

As I take a bite of the savory, tender beef and savor the rich flavors of paprika and spices, I am reminded of the power of a simple dish to nourish not only the body but also the soul. Heart Gulash will always hold a special place in my heart, a symbol of tradition, love, and the joy of sharing a good meal with loved ones.