Lecho

Lecho is a traditional Hungarian and Central European dish made primarily with peppers, tomatoes, and onions, often flavored with paprika. It can be enjoyed as a side dish, a main course, or as a base for other dishes. The recipe is simple yet full of rich, comforting flavors.

Basic Lecho Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced into strips
• 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped (or use canned diced tomatoes)
• 2 large onions, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Hungarian paprika (sweet or hot, depending on your preference)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or lard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1-2 smoked sausages (e.g., kielbasa or Hungarian sausage), sliced
• Optional: 1-2 eggs, beaten

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • Wash and slice the bell peppers into thin strips.
   • Chop the tomatoes, and slice the onions.
   • Mince the garlic.

2. Cook the Base:

   • In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil or lard over medium heat.
   • Add the sliced onions and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add Peppers and Paprika:

   • Stir in the sliced bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften.
   • Sprinkle the paprika over the vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to burn the paprika as it can become bitter.

4. Add Tomatoes:

   • Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot, stirring to combine.
   • Season with salt and pepper.
   • Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are tender and the tomatoes have broken down into a sauce.

5. Add Sausage (Optional):

   • If you're using sausage, add the slices to the pot about 10 minutes before the end of cooking. This allows the sausage to heat through and infuse the dish with its flavor.

6. Add Eggs (Optional):

   • If you prefer a richer, more filling dish, you can stir in beaten eggs during the last few minutes of cooking. Stir constantly until the eggs are fully cooked and incorporated into the sauce.

7. Serve:

   • Lecho can be served hot as a main dish with crusty bread, over rice, or alongside potatoes. It also works well as a side dish with roasted meats.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Lecho: Skip the sausage and eggs for a pure vegetable version. You can add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for variety.
• Smoky Flavor: For a smoky version, use smoked paprika or add smoked bacon along with the onions.
• Spicy Lecho: Add hot paprika or fresh chili peppers to bring some heat to the dish.

Lecho is a versatile and hearty dish that brings together the rich flavors of peppers, tomatoes, and paprika. It’s perfect for a comforting meal, especially in the colder months.