Treasures of Colombia: Goulash (Colombian Street Food)

Beef is well loved by many all over the world and Colombia is not different.

In my hometown of Villavicencio, Beef (cow) of the highest quality is reared here; and so it is only fitting that the Llaneros (people of this region) prepare and serve a very tasty beef stew called “Goulash”.

Originally, the Goulash is from Medieval Hungary and it is one of the Country’s national dishes; it is said that in Hungary it can be served as a soup or as a stew. Notwithstanding, the Goulash has somehow found its way into the Colombian kitchen and unto its menus.

Treasures of Colombia: Goulash (Colombian Street Food)

By: Stacey - Ann Smith

This special beef stew is an excellent main course that is available on almost all lunch menus at high- end restaurants.

Colombian Goulash is like our Jamaican Stew Beef.

This dish contains beef that is cut up into cubes, these cubes are usually thick as a result of the parts of the cow used – shank and shoulder.

The beef cubes are cooked with:

Diced Carrots (Zanahoria)
Potatoes (Patata)
Celery (Apio)
String beans (Habichuelas)
Sweet pepper (Pimentόn)
Red wine (Vino tinto) is added near the end of the cooking process

The stew is then accompanied by mashed potato, rice or pasta.

I took my son out to a special lunch at Café Mali – my favorite café / restaurant, and on that day the Goulash was recommended to me by the waitress. Of course, I told her that I had no idea what it was and she told me not to worry its delicious (no te preocuoes…estά rico).

After the dishes were brought in, I then realized that it was just like our Jamaican stew beef with diced potatoes; and tasted just as great. Of course, I picked out all the string beans because I hate the green little buggers but it was certainly delicious.

I paid twelve thousand pesos (12000 COP) per plate – that would be approximately four hundred and ninety-five Jamaican dollars (495 JMD) as mentioned – per plate.

Cook up some Goulash and vegetables alongside mashed potatoes or rice today, with a tall glass of lemonade and enjoy.

Disfrute!

*****

About the writer:

Stacey Ann Smith is from Kingston, Jamaica. She is an alumna of Camperdown High School and she graduated from The Shortwood Teachers’ College having earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Modern Languages, Spanish and French. Presently, Stacey is an English teacher at a University in Colombia. She describes herself as a vivacious and loving person who also has a passion for traveling, taking pictures, her son Nicholas and Ashley, her adorable feline.