Mar 04, 2012
Other than braising this on the stove-top in a Dutch oven (four hours – three was not long enough) because I started it too late for the slow cooker, I made this as is – and I can’t imagine anything could be done differently that would have improved this. I was a little gun shy using all smoked paprika and had briefly considered playing it on the “safe” side by using it half and half with sweet paprika. I thought about substituting wine or broth for the water. I entertained the idea of adding mushrooms. In the end, however, I decided against all those changes I thought might make this “better” and in so doing we had a 5-star dinner resulting in clean plates and no leftovers. The meat is fork tender and the beautiful gravy thick, rich and boldly flavored. Different paprika, broth or wine rather than water, additions such as mushrooms – all unnecessary. There was enough depth and character to the dish with the onions, tomato paste and, of course, the smoky paprika. An absolutely delicious and satisfying cold weather dish with good old-fashioned charm.
—naples34102
