Goat paprikas with anise

Springing surprises, that's my Spring. Boulder is snowed in today. Some very slushy snow-almost rainy. While tomorrow is going to be bright and sunny, I am enjoying my snow day....music, writing papers, a bit melancholy, remembering yesterday, a bit hopeful, dreaming of tomorrow. A kaleidoscope of memories and images making me smile for no reason.

When I am done writing..and I don't know when... and thinking and wishing..hopefully never..I am going to wake up to reality with some fiery goat stew- local goat braised for hours in with a blend of smoked (really smoked) paprika and hot Hungarian paprika, but flavored with just a hint of star anise and couple of pinch of cumin.

Can I call the recipe Goat paprikas?

Recipe: Goat Paprikas with anise

Cook time: 3-4 hours (could vary depending on goat and elevation of your kitchen). R

Feeds: 2 hungry people or 3 people with regular appetite or 4 people with small appetite.
Notes before cooking: A word about goat. Goat is not lamb. It has less fat and more muscle tissues than lamb. And it has its own gamey flavor. Find a local farmer. If you don't have goat supplier who is local, skip this recipe. If you live in places like Boulder-high altitude- you will need at least an hour extra.

Ingredients 

• 2 lb of goat meat. Ribs are best. With bones. 
• 1 large russet potato. Cut off circles. Large ones.
• 1 yellow onion. Sliced coarsely.
• 1 tbsf of cumin powder. 
• 2 tbsf of hot Hungarian paprika
• 1 tbsf  of smoked paprika
• 1 tsp of salt. Coarse salt is best.
• 1 star anise
• 2 bay leaves. Dried. 
• 1/2 tsp of brown sugar. Coarse is better
• 4 cups of water (may need more. Keep some warm water handy)
• 2 tbsf of olive oil. 

Instructions

Step 1: In a large soup pot (or dutch over) add all the ingredients except the potato. Cook 

Step 2: Cooked covered on medium high for 2 hours

Step 3: Reduce to low medium, add the potatoes and cook uncovered for another 1-2 hours.

Step 4: Check if meat is falling off the bones. If it is, stew is done. 

Step 5. Let the stew sit for 1 hour, at least, before gently reheating and serving. 

This recipe produces a delectable outcome. And you can day dream or write, or knit or paint or drink wine. Enjoy Spring snows and memories of the winter that is on its way out....

Happy eating!