Monday, December 2, 2013

Oma's Hungarian Goulash


Victoria Abbott, Cleo Coyle and I have books coming out tomorrow! That's always an exciting day for writers. It's an odd mixture of apprehension and pride, kind of like sending children to their first day of school. You hope they do well, you hope they have everything they need, but they're in someone else's hands now, and you can't really control what will happen next.

So today I'm posting a recipe from MURDER, SHE BARKED. Holly Miller's grandmother, whom she calls Oma, German for grandma, runs the family inn. Oma is American now, but she stills speaks with an accent and imparts her European tastes on the Sugar Maple Inn. They serve breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea at the inn, as well as light dishes by room service. Holly used to visit her grandmother during summer vacations as a child, and one of her favorite meals was Oma's goulash.

Goulash is somewhat similar to stew. It originated in Hungary and always contains paprika. Like a lot of old recipes, the other contents vary depending on what was available in the region where it was being cooked. It can be made with pork or beef, or both. Some people add bell peppers or wine, but the goulash I grew up on was pretty basic.

This should be served over potatoes, but egg noodles can also sop up the delicious sauce.


Oma's Hungarian Goulash


1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 pounds cubed stew beef or pork (do not use lean meat like a tenderloin)
2 cups chopped onions
2 teaspoons marjoram
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
1 cup water or stock
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
4 medium potatoes, cubed (optional)

Heat the oil in a deep pot. Brown the meat and remove. Saute the onions in the same pot, Add the marjoram, garlic, paprika, water, carrots, and meat. Cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours over low heat until the meat is tender.

If you wish to add potatoes, you may cook them in the goulash for the last 1/2 hour. Or, so they won't soak up too much of the sauce, you can cook them in another pot and add them to the goulash for the last five minutes.




The MURDER, SHE BARKED street crew continues to grow! To see all the cuties, hop on over to Pinterest.  And leave a comment here today if you would like to enter to win a bandana for your dog or cat!

The Maffini Princesses, Daisy & Lily
Elizabeth Spann Craig's Chloe

Kathy Kaminski's Harley




Peg Cochran's Reg


15 comments:

  1. Cannot wait for these books--so proud and excited for all three of you! The goulash looks perfect for a winter night. But honestly, your street team steals the show!!! xoxo

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    1. LOL! It's hard to compete with those cuties!

      ~Krista

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  2. Lovely recipe! So perfect for this snowy weather here. The street crew is magnificent!

    Happy book week, Krista, and thanks for the boost.

    XOXO

    MJ and Victoria

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    1. I'm wondering if the Maffini Princesses are undercover. Sleuthing, perhaps?

      ~Krista

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  3. Thanks for the terrific recipe. My little guy could use a bandanna.
    Tomorrow sounds like a good day for books.

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    1. Thanks, Linda! You're entered in the drawing!

      ~Krista

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  4. This looks delicious. My Hungarian grandmother used to make it, but I've never tried it. Now I will! Love the kerchief's on MJ's dogs!

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    1. Aren't the princesses cute? But so is Reg! He's very photogenic! I hope you'll like the goulash. It's easy to make!

      ~Krista

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  5. Thank you for the shout-out, Krista. And a big congratulations on the debut of your new series. The goulash looks tempting, but your street crew wins with their charm offensive. Have a great release day.

    ~ Cleo

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    1. LOL! It's always hard to compete with cute furry faces! A wonderful release day to you, too, Cleo!

      ~Krista

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  6. Krista, Cleo, and Victoria (MJ), congrats on the new books coming out. Krista, I'm very excited about your new series. What fun it will be getting to know Holly and her merry crew. Happy release day to all TOMORROW.

    Daryl / Avery

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  7. Mmm. warming goulash! And cute animals. Perfect combination.
    My 3 cats are still hoping to join the team.

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  8. Snowing like crazy here---I think I'll try your recipe.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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  9. Just received Murder, She Barked in the mail today. Looking forward to digging in.
    We do not have any animals (live in a parsonage and do not want to be responsible for one at this time - besides really not having the time an animal deserves), but my granddaughter has 1 dog and 3 cats. She's moved back home where there are 3 other dogs -- quite a houseful (altho 2 of the dogs are strickly outside, one mostly outside, and granddaughter's is mostly inside; and cats are inside.)

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