Are you craving a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly healthy meal that's perfect for a chilly evening or a weekend gathering? Look no further! This goulash recipe elevates the classic dish with a delightful twist of creamed corn, kidney beans, smoky bacon, and tender potatoes. It's a delicious fusion of flavors and textures, easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for a special occasion. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust quantities as needed.
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 lb bacon, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can creamed corn
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon sweet Hungarian paprika (optional, for deeper flavor)
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Bacon and Vegetables: Begin by cooking the diced bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pot.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté in the bacon grease until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and bell peppers, cooking for another 3-5 minutes until slightly tender.
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Build the Goulash: Stir in the paprika (both sweet and regular, if using), caraway seeds, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aroma. This step significantly enhances the flavor of your goulash.
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Add Liquids and Beans: Add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and creamed corn to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
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Simmer to Perfection: Bring the goulash to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Incorporate Potatoes & Bacon: About 15 minutes before serving, add the diced potatoes to the goulash. Stir in the cooked bacon during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. This goulash is delicious on its own or with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier goulash.
- Meat Lovers Delight: Add 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage along with the bacon for a richer, meatier goulash.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of bacon grease for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Slow Cooker Magic: This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Simply sauté the onions, garlic, and peppers as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This goulash recipe offers a healthy balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option. Enjoy this easy recipe and discover a new favorite quick dinner idea! It's a perfect example of delicious dishes that are both simple and satisfying. This is truly one of the best recipes for a comforting and flavorful meal.