Aneesa's Muse :
I'd also be interested in a "Ghoulash" recipe ..
hint hint I don't think I've had any version of Ghoulash since my Great-grandmother made some for us a
very long time ago.
If your great grandmother made it, it's probably similar. This recipe is one from my husband's grandmother. I don't have any measurements and everyone makes theirs just a bit differently.
Basically, you fry up onion, celery (that is usually in the really old family recipes, left out in newer recipes), and garlic in some EVOO, then add burger to brown. You can add seasonings that you like during this time - such as a smidgen of chili powder or chilis (if you're aiming for a southwest flair), salt, pepper, Italian seasonings (if you're aiming for a more Italian flair), etc. Drain. In the meantime, you boil up the pasta of your choice, usually something chunky like ziti or elbows that will hold up to stirring. If you're going to throw it in the crockpot, don't cook the pasta all the way. Then you add some kind of a tomato base. You can use tomato sauce or diced peeled tomatoes, or even fresh if you prefer. Some use tomato soup, tho I know you'd steer clear of that with your migraines. If you're going for the more Italian flavor, you can use canned or jarred spaghetti sauce. My hubby's grandmother always used the canned Hunts tomato sauce. You stir the whole thing together and heat it through. The longer you cook the pasta in the sauce, the more it absorbs the tomato goodies.
You can sprinkle cheese (parmesan, or Mexican three cheese, etc) on the top when you serve it if you want as well. Some also stir ricotta or cottage cheese to the recipe just before serving, to create a bit of a mushed up lasagna recipe.
So, you see, there's no real recipe - just a combination of veggies, spices, burger, pasta, and tomatoes of some sort.
I've only made it a few times and I never make it the same each time. My kids love it.
