Lecsó
Hungarian Pepper and Tomato Stew
Lecsó is a vibrant and flavorful Hungarian vegetable stew, often described as a pepper and tomato ragout. It's a versatile dish, perfect as a side, appetizer, or a light main course, typically enjoyed with crusty bread. The core ingredients are onions, sweet Hungarian peppers, and tomatoes, seasoned with paprika, creating a dish that is both comforting and refreshing.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 medium Yellow onions(thinly sliced)
- 1.5 pounds Hungarian sweet peppers (or bell peppers)(cored, seeded, and sliced)
- 1 pound Ripe tomatoes(chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Sweet Hungarian paprika
- 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil (or lard/bacon fat)
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt(to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper(freshly ground, to taste)
- 0.25 cup Water (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat the oil (or lard/bacon fat) in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to brown them.
💡 Tip: Sautéing onions slowly brings out their sweetness. - 2
Add the sliced peppers to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes, until they begin to soften.
- 3
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the sweet Hungarian paprika. This prevents the paprika from burning and becoming bitter.
💡 Tip: Paprika burns easily; adding it off the heat is crucial. - 4
Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. If the mixture seems dry, add a little water. Stir everything together.
💡 Tip: Using ripe, in-season tomatoes will yield the best flavor. - 5
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the stew has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally.
💡 Tip: The stew should have a chunky, sauce-like consistency. - 6
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: Lecsó is excellent served with crusty bread for dipping.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use high-quality Hungarian sweet peppers if available for the most authentic flavor.
- ✓Don't overcook the peppers; they should be tender but still hold their shape.
- ✓Lecsó can be made more substantial by adding cooked rice, sausage, or even a beaten egg stirred in at the end.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add smoked sausage (like kielbasa) sliced and simmered in the stew.
- Stir in a beaten egg or two during the last few minutes of cooking for added richness.
- Serve over rice or with a side of noodles.