🥓 Smoked sausage (kolbász) or bacon, for a heartier version
🍚 Rice, added for a thicker, more filling stew
🥚 Eggs, cracked into the simmering stew for a protein boost
🌿 Fresh parsley for garnish
🍳 How to Make Lecsó (Step-by-Step)
Making lecsó is simple and soulful. Here’s how it all comes together:
1. Sauté the Onions 🧅
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until soft and golden, about 5–7 minutes.
📝 Tip: Don’t rush this step—caramelized onions build the base of flavor!
2. Add the Peppers 🫑
Stir in the sliced peppers. Cook them until they start to soften—about 10 minutes. You want them tender but still holding their shape.
3. Paprika Time! 🌶️
Remove the pot briefly from heat and stir in the paprika. This prevents it from burning, which can turn the dish bitter. Return the pot to the heat and mix well.
4. Tomatoes In! 🍅
Add the chopped tomatoes, along with their juices. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 15–20 minutes until the mixture becomes stew-like and fragrant.
5. Season and Simmer 🧂
Add salt and pepper to taste. At this point, you can also toss in any optional extras—garlic, sausage, rice, or crack in some eggs and let them poach in the sauce. 🍳✨
🥖 How to Serve Lecsó
Lecsó is incredibly versatile. Here are a few delicious ways to enjoy it:
🥖 With crusty bread – classic and satisfying
🍚 Over rice – to make it more of a full meal
🥚 With eggs – for a hearty breakfast version
🐷 With sausage or bacon – for extra smoky flavor
🧀 Topped with cheese – Hungarian Trappista cheese or feta works great!
Bonus: Lecsó is even better the next day. The flavors deepen and meld beautifully, making leftovers something to look forward to. 🍽️💕
🧳 Lecsó Around the World
While it’s a cornerstone of Hungarian cuisine, variations of Lecsó appear in other Central and Eastern European countries too! 🇸🇰 Slovakia, 🇷🇴 Romania, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, and 🇷🇸 Serbia all have their own takes—with regional spices and local meats added in. But the heart of the dish—the peppers, tomatoes, and paprika—remains the same. ❤️🫑
💭 Final Thoughts
Lecsó isn’t just food—it’s comfort in a pot, a celebration of summer harvests, and a reminder that the best meals are often the simplest. Whether you’re Hungarian by blood or just in your heart, this dish is a warm invitation to gather, share, and savor the little things.
So next time you spot a pile of ripe tomatoes and fresh peppers at the market, take it as a sign: it’s Lecsó time. 🇭🇺✨
📌 Save This Recipe!
Bookmark it, pin it, print it—because once you make Lecsó, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite. If you try it, let me know how it goes! 📸 Snap a pic, tag #TheBossyKitchen, and share your delicious results!
Would you like me to format this into a printable recipe card or add a specific variation (like sausage lecsó or rice lecsó)? 😊
