Ghastly Ghoulash Recipes

HALLOWEEN GROUND MEAT GHOUL-ASH

Steps:

• Char the peppers evenly under a hot broiler, or over an open flame on the stovetop. Place in a bowl and cover with plastic; cool to handle. Peel the peppers and chop.
• Heat the EVOO, 2 turns of the pan, in a large Dutch oven or a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the meat dry and add to the pan. Brown and crumble the meat, then season with the Worcestershire, sweet paprika, hot paprika, rosemary, marjoram and some salt and pepper. Add the garlic and onions, and cook until the onions are tender, another 7 to 8 minutes. Next, add the tomato paste and stir 1 minute. Add the roasted peppers, stock and tomato sauce. Simmer to thicken. Cool and store for a make-ahead meal. Reheat over medium heat stirring frequently.
• To serve, heat water to a boil. Salt the water, and cook the egg noodles to al dente. Reserve 1/3 cup of the starchy water and drain. Then return the pasta to the hot pot. Add the butter, parsley and some salt. Toss to combine and melt the butter. Add some starchy water if the noodles begin to stick together.
• Serve the goulash in shallow bowls, nested in the parsley egg noodles, and top with a dollop of creme fraiche.

GHASTLY GHOULASH

Steps:

• Toss beef with salt, pepper, and flour in a medium bowl. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until hot. Brown half of beef on all sides, 4 to 6 minutes total. Transfer beef to a plate with a slotted spoon. Repeat with remaining beef and 2 tablespoons oil.
• Add onion to fat in pot; cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic; cook 1 minute. Add wine; cook, stirring up brown bits, until most liquid has evaporated, about 2 minutes.
• Return beef to pot. Stir in paprika, tomatoes, stock, tomato paste, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Cover; reduce heat. Gently simmer until meat is just tender, about 1 1/2 hours.
• Stir in carrots and potatoes; continue to simmer until vegetables and meat are very tender, 20 to 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook bacon in a dry large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Add mushrooms, pearl onions, and bell pepper to fat in skillet; cook until vegetables are tender and golden brown, and liquid has mostly evaporated. Add to goulash.
• Season goulash with salt and pepper, if necessary. Garnish with bacon pieces and oregano. Serve with caraway egg noodles.