Krompir i Pečurke Gulaš (Serbian Potato and Mushroom Stew)
A rustic and comforting Serbian stew featuring tender potatoes and earthy mushrooms simmered in a rich, savory broth with onions and spices. This hearty vegetarian dish is perfect for a cold day.
🧂 Ingredients
- 700 g Potatoes(peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 400 g Mushrooms (e.g., button, cremini)(cleaned and quartered or sliced)
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 750 ml Vegetable broth
- 3 tbsp Olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour(for thickening)
- 1.5 tsp Sweet paprika
- 0.5 tsp Smoked paprika(optional, for depth)
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- 1 large Bay leaf
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 2
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 3
Add the mushrooms to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 8-10 minutes.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Stir in the flour, sweet paprika, smoked paprika (if using), and thyme. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the flour and spices.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
💡 Tip: Whisking gradually helps to prevent lumps. - 6
Add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the potatoes are very tender and the stew has thickened.
⏱️ 90 minutes💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water. - 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
💡 Tip: A final taste and adjustment of salt and pepper is crucial. - 8
Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
💡 Tip: Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use mushroom broth instead of vegetable broth.
- ✓If you prefer a smoother stew, you can blend a portion of it before adding the potatoes.
- ✓This stew can be made ahead of time and reheats well.
🔄 Variations
- Add a can of drained white beans in the last 15 minutes of cooking for added protein.
- For a touch of acidity, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the garlic.