Read Me First!

What is American Goulash? It's what a call my life - a mixture of Hungarian and American influences served up with a little bit of paprika. Okay, so technically, it's a dish that kinda resembles hamburger helper, but I was trying to be a little poetic about it, dammit! If you are looking for the recipe for "real" American Goulash, it's here.

How Should I Read This Blog?
Make sure you you read this blog from bottom to top (oldest to newest - use the "Archives" button on the right to get back to the first post on July '07). Blogger uses the sidebar instead the "Previous/Next" button at the bottom for navigation.

Are these stories true?
Happy and sadly, yes. It's a little weird to share my most personal and embarrassing moments with the entire world, but then again, therapy is really expensive so this is a pretty good alternative. Sure, some names have been changed because I don’t feel like getting sued/pissing anyone off. And if you realize that a re-named person in this story might be you, then I am required by the State of Pennsylvania to tell you that it is purely a coincidence. :)

Warning: Some of these stories may be "TMI" (too much information), so if are offended by blunt, uncensored honesty, please do not read forward.

Authentic American Goulash Recipe

I realize that some people might end up here from Google because they actually want to know how to make REAL American Goulash. Well, go buy a box of Hamburger Helper, because that's what is basically is. No? Well, okay, fine, Google-o-phille, here is your recipe:

Home Recipe courtesy of Lenny's Family Recipes

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
2-4 garlic cloves, diced and smashed
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can tomatoes, dice if using whole, do not drain
1 (15 1/4 ounce) can whole kernel corn
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
8 ounces elbow macaroni
1-2 tablespoon chopped parsley, salt and pepper to taste

1. Prepare elbow macaroni according to directions on package till al dente.

2. Save a little of the pasta water in case you need it later to loosen the sauce.

3. Brown meat in a large skillet, drain the fat and add the onion and bell pepper half way through cooking.

4. Drain any remaining fat when onion and pepper is done and add garlic, stir it about.

5. Add the meat mixture to the cooked macaroni, add the canned tomatoes, corn and sauce.

6. Mix all this together and add seasoning to taste.

7. You may need to add some of the pasta water to loosen the sauce if it is too dry.

8. Invite Stephanie over for this delicious home-cooked meal. She'll bring her low-cal homemade banana bread. But that recipe is a secret :)

Have your own style to make American Goulash, Hungarian Goulash, or North-East Tanzini-Ubeki-Czeci-Irani-Swonian Goulash? Please also feel free to post some of your Authentic Recipes "from Grandma" so we can keep these dishes alive!

Photo by Oliver Gruener