Authentic Hungarian Beef Stew (Pörkölt)

beef

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: pork

Chicken is leaner and pork is often less expensive.

paprika

🥗Healthier: smoked paprika

💰Cheaper: cayenne pepper

Smoked paprika adds depth while cayenne is more affordable.

bay leaves

🥗Healthier: thyme

💰Cheaper: oregano

Thyme offers a similar aromatic quality and oregano is widely available.

carrots

🥗Healthier: sweet potatoes

💰Cheaper: frozen mixed vegetables

Sweet potatoes add nutrition and frozen veggies are cost-effective.

Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.

In the same pot, add diced onions and bell pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the Hungarian paprika, tomato concentrate and caraway seeds, mixing well with the meat just enough to cover the meat. Be careful not to burn the paprika as it will turn bitter.

Pour in enough beef broth to come about 3/4 of the way up the meat cubes. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Simmer for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened.

Season with salt, pepper and parsley.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: