Hungarian Lecso
Take your taste buds on a flavorful journey with Hungarian Lecso, a rustic and vibrant dish rooted in Central European tradition. This hearty one-pot recipe combines sweet bell peppers, ripe tomatoes, and onions simmered in a rich, paprika-infused base, creating an irresistible blend of smoky, savory, and subtly sweet flavors. Perfect as a vegetarian main course or elevated with slices of smoky Hungarian sausage, Lecso is versatile, colorful, and bursting with the essence of fresh produce. Ready in just 45 minutes, this comfort food classic makes a satisfying meal when served with crusty bread, fluffy rice, or as a savory side. Bring a touch of Hungary to your table with this easy, flavorful recipe!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium, finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 3 large (any color, sliced into strips) bell peppers
- 4 medium, diced ripe tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
- 0.5 teaspoon (or to taste) black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 200 grams, sliced (optional for a meatier version) sausages or smoked Hungarian sausage (optional)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Stir in the sliced bell peppers and cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
Add the diced tomatoes to the pot and stir well to combine.
Sprinkle the paprika and smoked paprika (if using) over the mixture and stir to evenly coat the vegetables.
Season with salt, black pepper, and sugar to balance the flavors.
If using sausage, add the sliced sausage to the pot and stir it into the mixture.
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.
Serve the Lecso warm with fresh bread, rice, or as a side dish to complement other main courses.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
307 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.5 g | 26% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.3 g | 31% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 30 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 948 mg | 41% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21.2 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.3 g | 22% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.9 g | ||
| Protein | 10.9 g | 22% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 73 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 767 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
