Like everyone said, It as cold, rainy, and miserable up here in the garden state. I needed something that would really stick to my ribs!
I did some errands Saturday morning and found that my local "guy" (name is pronounced: Psst-hey-pal-commear) had veal stew meat on sale. Baby cow.. WAHOOOOO!
So it was time to once again dip into my secret, private stash of real Hungarian Paprika (once again, thanks
@balatonwine !!!!)
Here are the deets..
I started by browning the meat (seasoned w/salt-n-pepper) in butter (in a screaming hot pot). Cooked until well browned and had a nice fond formed at the bottom of the pan.
I then removed the meat, added a diced medium onion, a diced shallot, and 2 big cloves of garlic. I cooked this until the onions were caramelized and brown (softer than soft).
I then added in 4 different varieties of fresh mushrooms (button, shiitake, oyster, and portabella) and stirred until cooked and most of the water (mushroom juice) had cooked off.
I then added the meat back into the pot, took the pot off the heat, and stirred in REAL HUNARIAN PAPRIKA!!! I was taught that you should stir it until the smell of the paprika hits you. Boy did it! absolute heaven!!!
Then I added chicken stock and water (50/50) and put the pot back on the heat.
Once at the simmer, I added a shot of fresh thyme and (a very small) sprig of fresh rosemary. It is times like this when I am so glad I brought my herb inside and kept them watered.
I cooked for 3 hours, until the meat was good and tender.
Side note: The more the aroma reminds me of Grandma's house, the more I know how well I got things right when cooking. Smelling this cook had me hearing... "Shackey, you must go to churdtch". (spelt the way she always say it). I also was reminded on just how much a miss her. She had shared way more than she had.
Anyway, back to cooking. In a bowl, I whisked together some sour cream, a small shot of lemon juice, and a "fork full" of flour. I then whisked this into the pot and simmered for another 15 minutes until nice, glossy, and thick. I then tossed in some home made spaetzle.
It was insanely good. The only thing that I think I would change is to add some bacon at the beginning.
Served with a nice crusty (store bought) bread and a lovely 2018 diet coke (with lemon and ice).
Love you grandma (wherever you may be)!