Goulash is a traditional Hungarian beef stew and although the ingredients are quite simple the taste is particularly good, especially on a chilly winter's evening, and even more so if you jazz it up with a glug or two of red wine.

Although goulash is not traditionally made with wine a generous splash of full-bodied Cabernet or Shiraz does give it an entirely new dimension. We also like adding some chilli to this dish plus a punnet of mushrooms to give it a further boost.

Goulash is generally served with noodles but here too, we do things differently and serve it with buttery mashed potatoes in winter and with basmati rice in summer, so feel free to experiment.

To make enough for four hungry tummies you'll need:

Ingredients

800g of good quality bone-less beef cubes

2 tablespoons butter

1 large red pepper, seeded, the white pith removed and then sliced

2 cloves of garlic

1 large onion, peeled and coarsely chopped

3 tablespoons good quality smoked paprika

4 large chopped tomatoes or 1 can of chopped tomato

1 small tin of tomato paste

100ml strong beef stock

150 ml red wine

1 heaped teaspoon of brown sugar

Method

In a large pot melt the butter and brown the beef, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Add the onion to the pot and over medium heat fry the onion until it starts to soften, then add the red pepper.

Fry for two minutes, stirring constantly, then reduce heat to low and add the smoked paprika.

If it starts going too dry add another blob of butter and fry for two minutes to release the flavour of the paprika.

Now return the meat to the pot and stir it through the paprika and onion mixture.

Add a little of the red wine to de-glaze the pot, then add the rest of the wine, stock, tomato paste and chopped tomato.

Cover and gently simmer for about three hours, then add the sugar and stir through.

Add salt and black pepper to taste.

Serve piping hot on warm plates with mashed potatoes.

Wine recommendation

Glenelly Glass Collection Merlot 2010 — Stellenbosch — R87.50

A dark and intense wine with a soft and friendly palate. Hints of mint meld well with cocoa-dusted red fruit.

To order, email Wine Concepts