Goulash is basically a stew that originated in Hungary during the 9th century by shepherds.
They would take dried chunks of cooked beef and onions along with them when they were moving their flocks for days on end. At mealtimes the shepherds would reconstitute the dried beef and onion with water and add whatever veggies and flavorings they found along the way.
During the 18th century the ever popular paprika was added to a combination of fried beef and onion, green peppers, garlic and potatoes and the classic Hungarian Goulash was born. Today goulash, minus the potatoes, is generally served over noodles or rice.
American goulash is usually made with ground beef, tomato sauce or chopped tomatoes, chopped green pepper and onion and macaroni with or without the paprika and is a ‘one pot meal’, which can be made on the stove top or in a crock pot.
