CREDIT: LESYY / ISTOCK / THINKSTOCK
Lilli's Christmas Goulash is the perfect dish to try this holiday season.

When it comes to Christmas meals, there are always a few common dishes at the table, like turkey or ham. This holiday season, switch things up and try a German (or Hungarian) goulash. The word, “goulash”, may not make the dish sound too appetizing, but this classic hearty dish will be sure to warm you up and appease your palate. The meal takes approximately two hours from start to finish and serves six.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. (25ml) vegetable oil

3 medium onions, sliced thinly

1 stalk celery, sliced

1 lb. (500 g) lean stewing beef

Flour for dredging beef

2 tbsp. (5 ml) chopped parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

1 can of tomato paste

1 tbsp. (15 ml) paprika

½ tsp. (1 ml) cayenne pepper

1 green pepper, diced

4 cans (1.25 L) beef stock

2 medium peeled potatoes, peeled and diced

Steps:

1. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat oil. Add the chopped onions and stir often until the onions are a slightly golden colour.

2. Slice the beef into small cubes (approximately 2cm thick). Next dredge the beef in flour that has also been seasoned with salt and pepper. In other terms, to give the beef a slight breading, the beef must be dipped in flour, salt and pepper until fully coated.

3. Add the meat to the saucepan and stir until brown.

4. Add the tomato paste, paprika, cayenne pepper, green pepper and beef stock to the pot. Simmer until the meat is tender. (Approximately one hour)

5. Add potatoes. Let them simmer until the potatoes are cooked and mixture has thickened, approximately 30 to 40 minutes.

6. Stir in parsley.

7. Add salt and pepper as needed and serve.

Additional ways to serve:

Traditionally the goulash is prepared and served as above. A delicious addition to Lilli’s Christmas Goulash is serving the goulash on top of broad egg noodles. Prepare a large serving of noodles as per the directions on the bag. Add the goulash on top and now you have a delicious stew and noodle meal. For one more way to serve, top off the dish with a dollop of sour cream.

This year, take the time to try Lilli’s Christmas Goulash and you will be sure to please the crowd. This traditional German dish is simple and easy for beginners in the kitchen. Take the time to try this meal, enjoy the aroma that it fills in your house and share this new meal with friends and family.