Hungarian Beef and Onion Stew

The Most Famous Hungarian Beef and Onion Stew

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Introduction

This traditional Hungarian Beef and Onion Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings comfort and warmth to any table. With its rich combination of beef, onions, bacon, and a medley of vegetables and spices, this stew is sure to become a favorite. Follow this step-by-step guide to create an authentic Hungarian meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • 700g beef (1.54 lbs), cut into pieces
  • 1 white onion, chopped
  • 4 slices of bacon, cut into small pieces
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • Garlic (to taste), minced
  • Fresh bay leaf
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • Paprika (to taste)

Number of Servings

This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information per serving (assuming 6 servings) is as follows:

  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 5g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 35g

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

  1. Heat the Pan
    • In a large pan, heat a handful of bacon pieces over medium heat until they start to render their fat and become golden.
  2. Add Onions
    • Add the chopped white onion to the pan and cook until golden and soft.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

  1. Add Green Pepper and Garlic
    • Add the chopped green pepper and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

  1. Add Beef
    • Add the beef pieces to the pan. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring to brown the meat evenly.
  2. Season with Paprika
    • Sprinkle 4 tablespoons of paprika over the beef and mix well to coat the meat and vegetables.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients

  1. Add Tomato and Seasonings
    • Add the chopped tomato, a teaspoon of salt, black pepper to taste, and a fresh bay leaf to the pan.
  2. Add Water
    • Pour in a small amount of water, just enough to cover the bottom of the pan and create steam.

Step 5: Simmer the Stew

  1. Bring to Boil and Simmer
    • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for 90 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serving

  1. Check Seasoning
    • Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
  2. Serve
    • Serve the beef and onion stew hot, accompanied by a side of crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice.

Conclusion

This Hungarian Beef and Onion Stew is a perfect blend of savory flavors and tender textures. The combination of beef, bacon, onions, and vegetables, all seasoned with paprika and other spices, creates a rich and satisfying dish. Enjoy this hearty stew as a comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

Enjoy your delicious Hungarian beef and onion stew and the wonderful flavors it brings to your table!