Paprikás Krumpli (Hungarian Potato and Sausage Stew)
A hearty and comforting one-pot stew featuring tender potatoes, flavorful Hungarian sausage, onions, and bell peppers, all simmered in a rich, paprika-infused broth. This dish is a staple of Hungarian home cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Hungarian paprika sausage (or other smoked sausage like chorizo)(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 200 g Cooking sausage (like frankfurters or wirers), optional(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 800 g Potatoes(peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 Red bell pepper(seeded and chopped)
- 1 Tomato(chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil or lard
- 2 tablespoons Sweet Hungarian paprika
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 4 cups Water or broth(enough to cover ingredients)
- Sour cream (for serving, optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)(chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat the oil or lard in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, and chopped tomato to the pot. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- 3
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the sweet Hungarian paprika and smoked paprika (if using). Stir quickly to combine, being careful not to burn the paprika.
💡 Tip: Removing the pot from the heat prevents the paprika from scorching and becoming bitter. - 4
Return the pot to medium heat. Add the cubed potatoes and both types of sausage (if using). Stir to coat everything with the paprika mixture.
💡 Tip: Using both paprika sausage and a cooking sausage adds layers of flavor and texture. - 5
Pour in enough water or broth to just cover the ingredients. Add salt and black pepper. Bring the stew to a boil.
💡 Tip: Using broth instead of water will add more depth of flavor. - 6
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, optionally with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
💡 Tip: This stew is excellent served with crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful broth.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The quality of Hungarian paprika significantly impacts the flavor of this dish.
- ✓If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot.
- ✓This dish can be made ahead of time and reheats well.
🔄 Variations
- Add a bay leaf during simmering for an extra layer of aroma.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use hot Hungarian paprika.
- Some recipes include a tablespoon of tomato paste for added richness.