Woodsy Mushroom Goulash

Woodsy Mushroom Goulash Recipe from Hungary with Tomatoes, Canola Oil, and Paprika

Region / culture: Hungary | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Woodsy Mushroom Goulash is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the sweetness of peppers and tomatoes. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family.

History

The origins of goulash can be traced back to Hungary, where it is considered a national dish. Traditionally, goulash is a stew made with meat, vegetables, and paprika. This version of goulash puts a vegetarian twist on the classic recipe by using mushrooms as the main ingredient.

Ingredients

1 large tomato
3 large tomatoes
2 tbsp canola oil
2 medium onions, coarsely chopped
1 tbsp sweet paprika
4 pale green sweet roasting peppers

How to prepare

Peppers, cored, seeded, and cut crosswise into 0.25-inch slices
1.25 lb (567 g) large white mushrooms, stems trimmed, cleaned, and quartered
1 cup plain nonfat yogurt
0.5 cup light sour cream
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups wide egg noodles, cooked, or rice, cooked
1 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
Bring a small pot of water to a boil.
To peel tomatoes, cut a small "x" in the bottom of each. Place in boiling water for about 30 seconds to loosen the skins. Remove to a colander.
When tomatoes are cool enough to handle, slip off the skins. Coarsely chop the peeled tomatoes; reserve.
Heat oil over low heat in a large, heavy pot.
Add onions and cook, stirring, for about 10 minutes, or until wilted.
Sprinkle paprika over the onions and cook, stirring, for one minute.
Add peppers and reserved tomatoes. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice.
Add mushrooms to the vegetables and stir goulash well. Cook for 5 minutes.
Place the yogurt, sour cream, and flour in a small bowl and whisk together well.
Add 0.5 cup of the juices from the vegetables and whisk together.
Off the heat, whisk the yogurt mixture into the mushroom-vegetable goulash.
Season with salt and pepper.
Before serving, warm goulash through over low heat, stirring. Do not boil.
Serve immediately over noodles or rice and garnish with chopped parsley.
Serves Per serving: 251 calories; 8 g fat; 26 mg cholesterol.

Variations

Add diced potatoes or carrots for extra heartiness.
Use different types of mushrooms, such as cremini or shiitake, for a different flavor profile.
Add a splash of red wine for depth of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the onions slowly over low heat to bring out their natural sweetness.

- Whisking the yogurt mixture into the goulash off the heat helps prevent curdling.

- Serve the goulash over noodles or rice for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the goulash over a bed of cooked wide egg noodles or rice. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Cooking Techniques

Slowly cook the onions to bring out their sweetness.

- Whisk the yogurt mixture into the goulash off the heat to prevent curdling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt instead of plain nonfat yogurt.

- Substitute light cream cheese for the light sour cream.

Make Ahead Tips

The goulash can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the goulash in individual bowls garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Pair with a crusty bread for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Woodsy Mushroom Goulash with a light and crisp white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

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

- 251 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 30g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 8g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 10g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15%

- Vitamin C: 60%

- Calcium: 15%

- Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains dairy (yogurt and sour cream)

Summary

This Woodsy Mushroom Goulash is a nutritious and satisfying dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a great source of protein and fiber, making it a healthy option for a vegetarian meal.

Summary

Woodsy Mushroom Goulash is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This vegetarian twist on the classic goulash is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option. Enjoy this dish with friends and family for a memorable dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a rainy day in the fall, and I was visiting my dear friend Margot in her cozy cabin deep in the woods. As soon as I walked through the door, the aroma of mushrooms, onions, and paprika filled the air. I could tell she was cooking something special.

Margot greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and then led me into the kitchen where a large pot simmered on the stove. She explained that she was making her famous Woodsy Mushroom Goulash, a recipe she had learned from her grandmother who had grown up in the forests of Hungary.

I watched as Margot skillfully chopped mushrooms, onions, and garlic, adding them to the pot along with a generous sprinkle of paprika and a splash of red wine. The earthy scent of the mushrooms mixed with the sweet and spicy aroma of the paprika was intoxicating.

As the goulash cooked, Margot shared stories of her grandmother, a wise woman who had passed down her love of cooking and her treasured recipes to her. She described how her grandmother would take her into the woods to forage for mushrooms, teaching her which ones were safe to eat and which ones to avoid.

I listened intently, captivated by Margot's tales of her grandmother and the traditions she had passed down through the generations. I could see the love and respect she had for her family's heritage, and I felt honored to be a part of this special moment.

After letting the goulash simmer for a while, Margot served it up in bowls garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The rich, savory flavors of the mushrooms and onions combined with the smoky sweetness of the paprika created a dish that was truly out of this world.

As I took my first bite, I closed my eyes and savored the taste of the Woodsy Mushroom Goulash. It was unlike anything I had ever had before, a perfect balance of flavors and textures that danced on my taste buds.

Margot beamed as she watched me enjoy her grandmother's recipe. She explained that she had made a few tweaks of her own over the years, adding her own special touch to the dish. She encouraged me to experiment and make it my own, just like her grandmother had taught her.

I left Margot's cabin that day feeling inspired and grateful for the experience. The Woodsy Mushroom Goulash had not only filled my belly but warmed my soul as well. I knew that I would always cherish this recipe and the memories that came with it.

And so, I began to make the Woodsy Mushroom Goulash on my own, adding my own twists and variations to suit my tastes. Each time I cooked it, I felt a connection to Margot, her grandmother, and the forests of Hungary where this recipe had originated.

I shared the recipe with my own family and friends, passing down the tradition of the Woodsy Mushroom Goulash just as Margot had done for me. And with each pot I simmered on the stove, I felt a piece of my grandmother's spirit guiding me, reminding me of the power of good food, good company, and a good story to tie it all together.