Meat with Potatoes

Meat with Potatoes Recipe from Bulgaria

Region / culture: Bulgaria | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Meat with Potatoes is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This recipe combines tender pieces of meat with flavorful vegetables and potatoes, all cooked in a rich tomato sauce. It is a classic dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

Meat with Potatoes is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed by families for generations. It is a popular comfort food in many cultures, with variations of the recipe found in countries all over the world. The combination of meat, potatoes, and vegetables cooked in a savory sauce is a timeless classic that never goes out of style.

Ingredients

meat
1 yellow onion
1 carrot
1 stick celery
1 Italian pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
5 potatoes
1 can (6 – 8 oz (227 g)) tomato sauce
2 tbsp parsley
2 cups hot water
0.25 cup vegetable oil (optional)

How to prepare

Cut the meat into 2-inch pieces.
Put the meat in a saucepan with the salt, cover, and cook on medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
At this point, you can add the oil.
Meanwhile, peel the onion and carrot and finely chop them.
Add the chopped onion and carrot to the meat and stir.
Slice the celery and green pepper, add them to the mixture, and stir.
After 5 minutes, add the paprika, stir, and add water.
Cover and cook for 0.5 hour.
Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes.
Add the cubed potatoes to the meat and cook for 15 minutes.
Add the tomato sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Add parsley.
Switch off the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Serve.

Variations

You can add different vegetables to the dish, such as peas, corn, or green beans.
You can use different types of meat, such as beef, chicken, or lamb.
You can add herbs and spices to the dish, such as thyme, rosemary, or cumin, to change up the flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the meat into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

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

- Adding a splash of vegetable oil can help to enhance the flavors of the dish.

- Be sure to stir the ingredients occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

- Letting the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking will allow the flavors to meld together and create a more delicious final product.

Serving Suggestions

Meat with Potatoes can be served on its own as a complete meal, or paired with a side salad or crusty bread for a more substantial meal. It is also delicious served with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese on top.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include browning the meat, sautéing the vegetables, and simmering the ingredients together to allow the flavors to meld. These techniques help to develop a rich and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use different types of meat in this recipe, such as beef, chicken, or lamb.

- You can use different vegetables in the dish, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.

- You can use different herbs and spices to change up the flavor profile of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Meat with Potatoes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the dish on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

You can garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation. Serving the dish in individual bowls or on a platter can also make for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Meat with Potatoes pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as a green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread. It also pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Meat with Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a saucepan on the stovetop and heat until warmed through. You can also reheat the dish in the microwave.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

The number of calories in a serving of Meat with Potatoes will vary depending on the portion size and ingredients used. On average, a serving of this dish contains around 300-400 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this dish primarily come from the potatoes and tomato sauce. Potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady source of energy. The tomato sauce also contains carbohydrates from the natural sugars in the tomatoes.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the vegetable oil used for cooking. You can choose to omit the oil if you prefer a lower-fat version of the recipe. The fats in the oil add richness and flavor to the dish.

Proteins

The protein in this dish comes from the meat, which is an essential nutrient for building and repairing tissues in the body. Meat is a complete source of protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids that the body needs.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables used in the recipe. Carrots are a good source of vitamin A, while celery provides vitamin K and potassium. Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C and potassium, and tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene.

Alergens

This recipe contains meat and vegetables, which are generally well-tolerated by most people. However, if you have allergies or dietary restrictions, be sure to check the ingredients for any potential allergens.

Summary

Meat with Potatoes is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying dish that is sure to keep you full and satisfied.

Summary

Meat with Potatoes is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This recipe combines tender pieces of meat with flavorful vegetables and potatoes, all cooked in a rich tomato sauce. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Meat with Potatoes. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn all that I could about cooking from my grandmother. She was the one who taught me the value of a good home-cooked meal, and the importance of passing down family recipes from generation to generation.

One summer afternoon, as the sun was starting to set and the kitchen was filled with the warm smells of dinner cooking, my grandmother called me over to her side. She handed me a tattered old recipe card, yellowed with age and stained with years of use. As I read the words scrawled in her elegant script, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the magic contained within those simple ingredients.

The recipe called for a hearty cut of beef, marinated in a mixture of herbs and spices overnight. The next day, the meat was seared in a hot pan until it was golden brown and fragrant. Then, it was simmered in a rich broth with onions, garlic, and tomatoes until it was tender and falling apart.

But the real secret of this dish lay in the potatoes. Instead of simply boiling them and serving them on the side, my grandmother taught me to nestle them in with the meat as it simmered, allowing them to soak up all the flavors of the broth and become meltingly soft and delicious.

As I followed her instructions, carefully measuring out the ingredients and stirring the pot with a wooden spoon, I felt a sense of connection to all the generations of women who had come before me, each one passing down their knowledge and love through the simple act of cooking a meal.

When the dish was finally ready, my grandmother and I sat down at the table to enjoy it together. The meat was tender and flavorful, the potatoes creamy and rich. As we ate, my grandmother regaled me with stories of her own childhood, and the women in her family who had taught her how to cook.

That night, as I lay in bed, my belly full and my heart content, I knew that I had been given a gift more precious than any material possession. I had been given the gift of tradition, of connection to my past and my family, through the simple act of learning how to make Meat with Potatoes.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, each time adding my own twist or variation to make it my own. But no matter how many times I cook it, or how far I stray from the original recipe, I always remember that summer afternoon in my grandmother's kitchen, and the sense of wonder and gratitude that filled me as I learned the secret of Meat with Potatoes.