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Authentic Pörkölt (Hungarian Beef and Onion Stew)

One of the most famous Hungarian dishes, this slow-simmered Hungarian beef and onion stew is loaded with flavor and is positively delicious!

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 20 mins
Total Time
2 hrs
Servings: 4
Calories: 587 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Hungarian

Ingredients

  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon , diced (traditionally you would use lard (about 2 tablespoons) and many Hungarians add some kolbasz for flavor which makes a big difference)
  • 1 large yellow onion , finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper , seeded and finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 large tomato , finely diced
  • 1 1/2 pounds stewing beef , cut into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 4 tablespoons quality imported sweet Hungarian paprika (yes, that's TABLEspoons!)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds , coarsely crushed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • water

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a heavy pot or Dutch oven fry the bacon until done. Add the onions and cook over medium-high heat until golden. Add the bell peppers and garlic and cook for another two minutes. Add the beef and cook for a minute until some, but not all, of the pink is gone. Stir in the paprika and remove from heat.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients. Add just enough water to come up to just over the halfway point of the stew mixture (in other words, not so the water is covering it). Return to heat and bring it to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 90 minutes. If the stew isn't thick enough, continue to simmer uncovered for a few more minutes so that some of the liquid evaporates. Add salt to taste.
  3. Serve with Spätzle (in Hungary they are shorter and stubbier, so prepare the dough accordingly or just use whatever method/shape you prefer - the texture and flavor of the dough is the same regardless). Or serve with boiled potatoes or wide egg noodles. A side salad, particularly a cucumber salad, is traditional. If desired, serve with a dollop of sour cream.

Nutrition Information

Calories 587kcal (29%) Carbohydrates 10g (3%) Protein 36g (72%) Fat 47g (72%) Saturated Fat 18g (90%) Cholesterol 145mg (48%) Sodium 1233mg (51%) Potassium 855mg (24%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 3827IU (77%) Vitamin C 31mg (34%) Calcium 62mg (6%) Iron 5mg (28%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 587

% Daily Value*

Calories 587kcal 29%
Carbohydrates 10g 3%
Protein 36g 72%
Fat 47g 72%
Saturated Fat 18g 90%
Cholesterol 145mg 48%
Sodium 1233mg 51%
Potassium 855mg 18%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 3827IU 77%
Vitamin C 31mg 34%
Calcium 62mg 6%
Iron 5mg 28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.