Kitchen Confessional [Monday 11-26-07]

So, last weekend I decided to step up and be a real man. Lately, my wife has been really stressed out with finishing up this semester in grad school so the added responsibility for planning meals, grocery shopping, and cooking meals was really becoming a burden for her.

So, I saw the light and decided to show that kitchen who’s boss! My wife really appreciates it and I enjoy cooking so it’s working out. Now, this isn’t to say I believe a wife’s role is to do all that I mentioned before. I think whatever works out naturally between a couple is the route you should take.

And, as a husband I’d be a total idiot not to be sensitive to her needs.

Anyways, my first conquest this week was a simple American Goulash. Kind of a simple tomato based pasta with ground beef. Pretty easy and tasty at the same time. I didn’t have a recipe so I just kinda winged it this time. Turned out really good.

I remember growing up my mom would make this on “quick” dinner days. Those days when we needed to have a quick meal and head off to worship practice or a mid-week service.

So armed with only the memory and some basic ingredients I set out to tame this beastly dish.

Here’s how it played out if ya want to try it for yourself:

Ground Beef (I used 1.5 lbs, you could use more or less)
Onions (I used frozen chopped onions)
Elbow Macaroni (1 box, I think it was 1 lb)
Diced Tomatoes (1 regular sized can, might use more next time)
Tomato Ketchup (didn’t measure out how much to use but a few good squirts from the bottle will do)
Chili Powder (use as much as you like)
Salt
Black Pepper
Other Spices (Garlic Powder, Paprika – use whatever you like)

Boil macaroni. Drain in colander.
Brown the beef (cook it on medium heat until all red is gone). Add onions (* peppers, corn, etc) and chili powder while cooking. Drain.
In a large pot (low heat your pasta and beef should still be hot), combine macaroni, beef, and tomato sauce. Add ketchup. Season to taste.

Makes anywhere from 4-8 servings depending on how generous you are when serving.

Enjoy.

* The point of “Goulash” is that it’s kind of a hodge podge. You could actually add green peppers, mushrooms, corn or any other ingredients you like.

My next kitchen conquest will be a simple pasta salad, kind of a creamy italian-ish dish. We’ll see how it goes.