Lecsó - Hungarian stew
Copyright: Traditional Recipes

Lecsó - Hungarian stew

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Lecsó is a delicious stew made of peppers, tomatoes and onions, which originates from Hungarian cuisine but is also popular in other countries. This dish is full of flavor and aroma, and its preparation is very simple. All this makes it attract food lovers from different countries. Restaurants and chefs around the world often offer lecsó as one of the dishes on their menus, introducing local variants and adapting them to their culinary style. This dish has become so popular that some countries have their own equivalents. And so in the Czech Republic or Slovakia we can find "lečo", while in Germany we can find "Letscho". In Poland we can meet with "leczo" and in Ukraine "лечо". In English we can meet with "Lecho". As you can see, this dish appealed to many, so if you haven't tried it yet, it's worth it.

The history of lecsó

Lecsó has a long and rich history that goes deep into the tradition of Hungarian cuisine. The origins of lecsó can be traced back to the 18th century, when peppers came to Europe from South America. Paprika quickly became an integral part of Hungarian cuisine and inspired many traditional dishes.

In its initial form, lecsó was simple and humble, made from available ingredients such as peppers, tomatoes and onions that were widely grown in Hungarian fields. Farmers and villagers often prepared lecsó as a way to use up excess vegetables in season. This dish was supposed to be nutritious, tasty and filling.

Over time, lecsó gained popularity and became an inseparable element of Hungarian cuisine. It was prepared in homes, restaurants and traditional festivals. The development of culinary technologies and the availability of ingredients meant that lecsó began to evolve and take different forms depending on the region and culinary preferences.

How to prepare lecsó?

Preparing lecsó is simple and requires a few basic steps. Peppers, tomatoes and onions create a harmonious combination of ingredients that blend perfectly with each other. The preparation of lecsó is simple and flexible, allowing you to experiment and customize the dish to your own preferences. This is a delicious proposition for lovers of Hungarian cuisine and everyone who wants to try something new and tasty.

Recipe informations:

timer

Preparation

30 minutes
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Total

130 minutes
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Yield

Servings 4
4 (1)

Ingredients

  • 500 g of tomatoes
  • 700 g paprika
  • 2 onions
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 2 tablespoons of oil
  • 1 tbsp red pepper
  • zucchini, eggplant, Hungarian sausage (optional)

Steps

1. Step

Cut the peppers, tomatoes and onions into strips or cubes.

2. Step

In a deep pan, heat the vegetable oil and add the onion. Fry it until it becomes soft and slightly glazed.

3. Step

Add the peppers and cook for a few minutes until softened.

4. Step

Add tomatoes and garlic. Fry all the ingredients together for a few minutes.

5. Step

Season the lecsó with salt, sugar, pepper and paprika powder. You can also add other favorite spices.

6. Step

If you want to add zucchini, eggplant or Hungarian sausage, cut them into pieces and add to the lecsó. Fry all the ingredients together for a few minutes.

7. Step

Lecsó can be served as a main dish or as an accompaniment to meat, rice or potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Can lecsó be frozen?

Yes, lecsó can be frozen. However, make sure to reheat them before serving after defrosting.

Can lecsó be prepared with meat?

Of course! You can add pieces of meat, such as pork or chicken, to the lecsó to enrich the taste of the dish.

How long can lecsó be stored in the refrigerator?

Lecsó can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Make sure you keep them in an airtight container.

Is lecso vegetarian?

The basic lecso is vegetarian. However, if you add meat, it will no longer be vegetarian.

Is lecso spicy?

Lecsó is not spicy by default, but you can add spicy ingredients like peppers if you like spicy food.