Grandma Bugg's Goulash

Grandma Bugg's Goulash

Ingredients:

• 2 stalks of celery, sliced in small pieces
• 1 green pepper, cut into about 1/2" square pieces or smaller
• 1 nice size onion, chopped- if you like onion, add more!
• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of lean hamburger
• Small box of spaghetti noodles
• large can of stewed tomatoes, chop a little if necessary
• 1 can green peas

In a large Dutch oven:

1. Sauté the celery, green pepper and onion until tender.
2. Add the hamburger and brown, add salt and pepper as desired. DO NOT STIR AFTER THIS STEP!
3. Layer the spaghetti on top, break only if necessary to fit.
4. Layer the tomatoes to completely cover the noodles.
5. Layer the peas (do not strain!) on top to cover the tomatoes!
6. Again, add a little salt and pepper or herbs if you like!
7. Add water if needed to cover the spaghetti level.
8. Once it is simmering, cut back to very low and let it cook until the noodles are soft. Don't stir!!!
9. To serve, use a LARGE spoon to cut through the layers and pile into wide bowls. It is beautiful and colorful! Some like parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top once goulash is in a bowl.

Next time, add or subtract quantities and ingredients so you can come up with your family version of Goulash!

Every family it seems has a recipe for "Goulash" and no two are alike. This is the Mary Monts version, which came from my Grandmother, Emma Virginia Minter Bugg. Everyone for generations has made it, but I am the only one who can make it the way my Grandma did and every time it is probably a bit different because I have never had or used a recipe. It is something that was often on the stove waiting for us when we arrived at my grandparents home after a long car trip. Now, my relatives like for me to have it ready when they travel to Harrisonburg. Some even request it! You can make it, turn the heat way down or off and just let it wait until your family rolls in the driveway. Hungry travelers are always happy!