Mom's Goulash, sort of

When I was growing up my mom made a dish she called Goulash. I don't really know what defines a goulash, this may or may not fit the bill, but it sure was tasty. Mom would make it a couple of times a month, maybe even more often in the winter. I seem to remember it more in the winter. I have a picture in my mind of coming in the kitchen door, the window sweaty with steam from the boiling noodles and the smell of Goulash in the air. Mom always served it with a salad of lettuce and tomatoes and toasted, buttered bread. That was always the menu. The salad was always just lettuce and tomatoes. We had french dressing but I always just put salt on mine. Looking back, I think we were poorer than I was aware of. Mom could stretch that food dollar! The Goulash had hamburger meat, crushed tomatoes, onions and elbow macaroni for sure. The other ingredients and spices are mysteries. How I wish I had learned how to make this dish! When Mom got sick and I was sleeping with her we had lots of time to talk and I tried to think of all sorts of things to keep her mind occupied. I thought about the Goulash and asked her how she made it. She tried to remember but couldn't come up with any more than I already knew. She hadn't made it in a long time. Thankfully she didn't have to stretch her dollar so much anymore. I guess I still crave the taste of Mom's Goulash so I decided to try my hand at it.

Here's my attempt. I didn't exactly succeed, it didn't taste just like mom's but it was close. I used penne pasta I had on hand instead of elbow macaroni. I browned the ground beef and onions. Added the tomatoes and started seasoning, trying to find the right mixture. I believe mom must have added a pinch of sugar, she was prone to do that and I know my Granma always did. Next time I try this I will be adding a pinch of sugar too.

The finicky Hub did not particularly like it but I did. I found comfort in just trying to duplicate a taste from my childhood that I loved. I guess I'll have to wait til Heaven to have Mom's Goulash. She'll have the recipe again.