Originating in the 10th century, goulash was traditionally eaten by shepherds and herdsmen. Since they would spend all day outside, they needed a meal that could be made on the go. Back then, they didn’t have Tupperware or plastic bags, so they had to get creative! They would cook and dry the meat (either beef or mutton), then package it in bags made out of sheep stomachs. That way, when they were hungry, all they would need to do is add water and they would have a meal. It's a lot like the instant meals or ramen we have today! The name even comes from this history. Gulyás means "cattleherd" and gulyáshús means "a meat dish for herdsmen."
By being creative and using unusual parts of the animal, herdsmen were able to overcome the challenges of eating on the go. They were able to use things provided by their environment (the meat and stomachs from their flocks) to survive the harsh lifestyle of herding.
