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Lecso Recipe

Lecso Recipe

Lecso is a traditional Hungarian dish that’s both simple and satisfying. It’s a vegetable stew that relies on fresh ingredients and comforting spices. As someone who loves exploring diverse cuisines, Lecso has a special place in my heart.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Hungarian
Keyword: Lecso Recipe
Servings: 4
Calories: 220kcal
Author: Rebecca Novak

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • cutting board
  • knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring spoons

Ingredients

  • - 6 medium tomatoes chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • - 4 yellow wax peppers or banana/cubanelle peppers, diced
  • - 2 medium onions sliced thinly
  • - 2 cloves of garlic minced (for an extra flavor boost)
  • - 1 teaspoon sweet paprika powder
  • - Salt to taste
  • - Ground black pepper to taste
  • - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (to brighten things up)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

  • In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over low to medium heat. Once hot, toss in the thinly sliced onions. Sauté them gently, stirring frequently so they don’t brown too quickly. You want them to soften and turn translucent. A pinch of salt at this stage will help them cook down nicely. If you find that they’re getting too dry and starting to stick, add just a splash of water to keep everything moving smoothly.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomatoes

  • Next, add the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until fragrant. Then, mix in the chopped tomatoes. Cover the pot and allow it to simmer for about five minutes. The tomatoes will break down and create a lovely, saucy base.

Step 3: Incorporate the Peppers

  • After the tomatoes have softened, it’s time to add the diced yellow peppers to the pot. You’ll also add in the sweet paprika—make sure to sprinkle it over the top and stir it in gently to avoid burning. Season with ground black pepper according to your taste. Cover again and let everything cook together for another 5 to 8 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the peppers; you want them tender yet still slightly crisp.

Step 4: Final Seasoning

  • Give everything a good stir and taste. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. If you're a fan of fresh herbs like parsley, now is a great time to fold that in. The vibrant green will not only enhance flavor but also add a delicious visual pop.

Step 5: Serving Options

  • This dish can be served warm or at room temperature. Traditionally, it's enjoyed with crusty bread, over rice, or alongside eggs. You’ll find that it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

Notes

- Use Ripe Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes will truly elevate this dish, giving it natural sweetness and acidity.
- Don’t Rush the Onions: Take your time with the onions; caramelizing them brings out the sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to add chili flakes if you like a little heat!
- Make it Ahead: Lecso can be made ahead of time. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits, making it even tastier the next day.
- Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, like zucchini or eggplant, to make it your own.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcal
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