Lecho is a vibrant and hearty Eastern European dish that celebrates the flavors of summer with its medley of colorful bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic spices. This one-pot recipe combines perfectly sautéed onions, garlic, and smoky sausage with the natural sweetness of red and yellow bell peppers, all simmered together to create a rich, comforting stew. Enhanced with sweet paprika and a touch of sugar for balanced flavor, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious—serve it as a satisfying main alongside crusty bread or as a flavorful side dish with roasted meats or rice. Ready in under an hour, this easy-to-make lecho brings rustic charm and bold flavor to your table, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Wash and deseed the bell peppers, then cut them into thin strips.
Dice the tomatoes into medium-sized chunks.
Peel and slice the onion into thin rings.
Mince the garlic cloves.
Slice the smoked sausage into rounds about 1/4-inch thick.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
Add the onions and garlic to the heated oil, and sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the smoked sausage slices, and cook for another 5 minutes until they start to brown slightly.
Add the bell pepper strips and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Sprinkle the sweet paprika powder over the mixture and stir well to coat the vegetables and sausage.
Add the diced tomatoes to the pot, followed by salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir everything together.
Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the lecho cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Serve hot as a standalone dish with crusty bread, or as a side dish to complement roasted meats or rice.
Calories |
1479 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 95.5 g | 122% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.1 g | 136% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 175 mg | 58% | |
| Sodium | 5178 mg | 225% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 115.5 g | 42% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.5 g | 91% | |
| Total Sugars | 67.8 g | ||
| Protein | 53.8 g | 108% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 275 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 11.6 mg | 64% | |
| Potassium | 4362 mg | 93% | |
*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.