Hungarian Pörkölt (Beef Stew)

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (700 g) beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 tbsp oil or lard
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
• 2 cups water or beef broth
• 1–2 bell peppers, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup canned)

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Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot. Sauté onions until soft and translucent.
2. Remove from heat and stir in paprika quickly (to avoid burning).
3. Add beef cubes, garlic, salt, pepper, and caraway seeds. Brown meat lightly.
4. Pour in water or broth, cover, and simmer 1–1.5 hours until meat is tender.
5. Add bell peppers and tomatoes during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
6. Adjust seasoning before serving.

Serve with:

• Nokedli (Hungarian dumplings), boiled potatoes, or crusty bread.

Pörkölt is a classic Hungarian stew, rich, flavorful, and slightly paprika-sweet—perfect comfort food.