Hungarian Lecso

Take your taste buds on a flavorful journey with Hungarian Lecso, a rustic and vibrant dish rooted in Central European tradition. This hearty one-pot recipe combines sweet bell peppers, ripe tomatoes, and onions simmered in a rich, paprika-infused base, creating an irresistible blend of smoky, savory, and subtly sweet flavors. Perfect as a vegetarian main course or elevated with slices of smoky Hungarian sausage, Lecso is versatile, colorful, and bursting with the essence of fresh produce. Ready in just 45 minutes, this comfort food classic makes a satisfying meal when served with crusty bread, fluffy rice, or as a savory side. Bring a touch of Hungary to your table with this easy, flavorful recipe!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium, finely chopped onion
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 3 large (any color, sliced into strips) bell peppers
• 4 medium, diced ripe tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
• 0.5 teaspoon (or to taste) black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 200 grams, sliced (optional for a meatier version) sausages or smoked Hungarian sausage (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the sliced bell peppers and cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 5

Add the diced tomatoes to the pot and stir well to combine.

Step 6

Sprinkle the paprika and smoked paprika (if using) over the mixture and stir to evenly coat the vegetables.

Step 7

Season with salt, black pepper, and sugar to balance the flavors.

Step 8

If using sausage, add the sliced sausage to the pot and stir it into the mixture.

Step 9

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 10

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.

Step 11

Serve the Lecso warm with fresh bread, rice, or as a side dish to complement other main courses.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1659.1 grams (1659.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1259

Total Fat 82.10g	105%
Saturated Fat 25.00g	125%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 120mg	40%
Sodium 4371mg	190%
Total Carbohydrate 93.40g	34%
Dietary Fiber 25.30g	90%
Total Sugars 49.40g
Protein 45.90g	92%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 264mg	20%
Iron 12mg	67%
Potassium 3566mg	76%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.0%

Protein: 14.2%

Carbs: 28.8%