Goulash Meets Caldereta...

Photography by Donna Samonte

Simply "beef stew" to all of us! Every country have their own version of beef stew, I've noticed that it would only be 1-2 herb and spice difference from one to the other. In some countries in Europe, it is called "goulash". I had my first taste of their dish in Budapest, Hungary. The spice sweet taste and aroma is almost the same with our "caldereta".

My family loves this dish, and I have created my own version. I made this for dinner last night.

Beef Stew ala Donne

Ingredients:

2 1/2 pounds boneless beef chuck,
1/2 cup liver spread or liver pate
1 small can tomato sauce
1/2 cup seeded fresh tomato
4 cloves of garlic, finely minced
1 large onion, chopped
1/8 tsp Hungarian paprika
2 pcs bay leaf
10 pcs peppercorn
2 tbs canola oil
2 cups of homemade beef stock
2 medium carrots, cut into cubes
3 medium potatoes, quartered
1 large green bell pepper, quartered
1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese

Optional Ingredients:
1/4 cup pancetta, cut into cubes
1/2 cup pitted olives
1/4 button mushrooms

Directions:
Saute garlic until golden brown then add onions and soften. Add beef and pancetta (optional) continue sauteing until a little brown then add paprika and liver spread, let it simmer uncovered for 2 mins. Then add peppercorn, bay leaves, tomatoes, tomato sauce and beef stock. Cook in medium heat for about an hour or until meat is almost tender. Then add carrots, potatoes, bell peppers and other optional ingredients. Simmer for about 5 mins then add grated cheese. Season to taste.

Best serve with rice.

Back to cooking...

It's been a while since my last recipe post...errrr...i've been so involved with my photography.

Anyway, I'm sharing another easy recipe that you'll enjoy. Chicken is always easy to cook and kids love it. This is a very simple dish, made easy for moms who are busy.

Chicken Pastel

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken, cut up into pieces
4 cloves crushed garlic
2 potatoes, cut in cubes
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 sm. can Vienna sausage, cut in half
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. butter
1 red pepper, cut in strips
3 tbsp. soy sauce
1 c. water
1/2 c. milk
Salt to taste

Preparations:

Saute garlic and onions in oil until brown. Add chicken, soy sauce, lemon juice and pepper. Cook 5 minutes until chicken is half done. Add water. Let boil and add potatoes, Vienna sausage, butter and bell pepper. Cover until done. Add milk, cook a few minutes until sauce thickens. Serve hot.

Can be served with steamed peas and broccoli.