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HUNGARIAN-STYLE ONION AND PEPPER STEW WITH POTATOES (LECSÓ WITH POTATOES)

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
HUNGARIAN-STYLE ONION AND PEPPER STEW WITH POTATOES (LECSÓ WITH POTATOES)

HUNGARIAN-STYLE ONION AND PEPPER STEW WITH POTATOES (LECSÓ WITH POTATOES)

Enjoy one of the most beloved summer dishes—Hungarian-style lecso, a simple yet magical stew made from just three main vegetables: peppers, onions, and tomatoes, lightly spiced with paprika. This version is a lighter take on the traditional recipe, using less oil and more tomatoes, making it delicious both warm and cold. Perfect for a quick meal or as a side dish with schnitzel, fried eggs, or grilled sausages.

🕒 Prep & Cook Time: 35-40 min

🍽️ Servings: 2-3

Ingredients

  • 2 medium onions (150-200 g), sliced
  • 3 long light-green or pale-yellow peppers (approx. 350 g), cored and diced
  • 3 small tomatoes (approx. 350 g)
  • 2 medium potatoes (approx. 300 g), peeled and cubed
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • A pinch (level) of hot paprika
  • 2-3 tbsp cooking oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and diced peppers. Sauté gently for 2 minutes.
  2. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes until vegetables are very soft.
  • Alternatively, you can cook uncovered on medium heat, stirring frequently until vegetables soften and start to color slightly for a faster process.
  1. Remove pot from heat. Add cubed potatoes and both sweet and hot paprika. Mix well.
  2. Pour in about 120 ml of water—enough to cover half the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Return pot to heat, cover, and cook until potatoes are half done (about 10 minutes).
  4. Meanwhile, score tomatoes with an “X” on the skin and blanch in boiling water for 15 seconds. Peel and dice finely.
  5. Add tomatoes to the pot with a bit more salt and pepper. Cover and cook until potatoes are fully tender (10–15 minutes).
  6. Remove lid and adjust seasoning. If the stew is too watery, simmer uncovered on low heat for 5 minutes to reduce sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy warm or at room temperature. This stew is delicious on its own or served as a side dish alongside schnitzel, fried eggs, or grilled sausages.

💡 Tips

  • Use the freshest, sweetest late-summer tomatoes and long, pointed peppers for the best flavor.
  • Adjust oil amount to your preference for a lighter or richer stew.
  • Stir gently to keep the vegetables intact and develop flavors.

📝 Final Thoughts

This Hungarian-style onion and pepper stew with potatoes is a simple, wholesome dish that captures the essence of summer vegetables and traditional flavors. Its comforting texture and vibrant colors make it an ideal meal for both casual lunches and festive dinners. Light enough to enjoy cold yet hearty when warm, it’s a versatile classic that brings the taste of Central Europe to your table.