13 Authentic Hungarian Recipes You Need to Try
Hungarian cuisine is famous for its robust spices and rich flavors, with paprika taking center stage in many of the traditional dishes. This vibrant spice is used in meaty stews, vegetable-laden goulashes and meat dishes and has been a staple of Hungarian cooking for centuries. Paprika’s popularity can be traced back to its introduction to Hungary in the 16th century, where it quickly became a much-loved spice.
The influence of Turkish/Ottoman culture is notably significant in shaping Hungarian culinary traditions. Moreover, Hungary’s flavorful and hearty dishes, particularly its use of paprika and certain cooking techniques, have spread to the broader Eastern and Central European regions too.
Authentic Hungarian Goulash
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Experience authentic Hungarian flavors with this traditional goulash recipe! Made with tender beef, onions, garlic, and paprika, this hearty stew is cooked to perfection. Packed with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, and tomatoes, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Easy to freeze for later, this dish brings the taste of Hungary to your table. Try it on the stovetop or in a crock pot for a satisfying meal!
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Your new favorite mushroom soup! Paprika and sour cream with fresh dill make this a unique and comforting recipe.
Chicken Paprikash With Spaetzle (Paprikás Csirke)
Hungarian chicken paprikash is a beloved dish, with tender chicken smothered in a creamy paprika sauce. It’s a classic comfort food that’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor. This recipe is a huge family favorite at my house, and I love making this with spaetzle as a side — although mashed potatoes are also wonderful.
Székelykáposzta or Szegedin Goulash
This recipe coms from my Slovak mother-in-law and is very popular in Czech and Slovak cuisine where they call it Segedínský Guláš. The origins though are Hungarian and they refer to it as Székelykáposzta or Szegedin Goulash. The recipe is the same regardless: tender chunks of pork shoulder in a rich and creamy sauce flavored with paprika and sauerkraut. It’s delicius.
Lángos (Hungarian Fried Bread)
Lángos is a beloved Hungarian street food that consists of deep-fried dough, resulting in a golden, crispy delight. It’s typically topped with garlic, sour cream, and cheese for a simple yet indulgent treat.
Chicken Goulash
Chicken goulash is a comforting Hungarian stew featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich and flavorful paprika-infused broth. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that captures the essence of Hungarian cuisine.
Paprika Chicken Recipe
Paprika chicken is a classic Hungarian dish, known for its luscious and smoky paprika sauce that coats tender chicken. It’s a savory and robust chicken dish that embodies the heart of Hungarian flavors.
Rakott Krumpli Hungarian Layered Potatoes
Rakott Krumpli is a layered potato casserole with ingredients like sliced sausages, boiled eggs, and sour cream. It’s a comforting and filling dish that’s easy to prepare.
Instant Pot Hungarian Goulash
This Instant Pot version of Hungarian goulash offers a convenient twist on the traditional dish. It features tender chunks of beef in a savory, paprika-spiced sauce, perfect for busy days.
Instant Dutch Oven Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
These stuffed cabbage rolls offer a taste of Hungary with a mixture of ground meat and rice wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, then simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s a satisfying, one-pot dish.
Hungarian Pork Tenderloin with Potatoes (Brassói Aprópecsenye)
Brassói Aprópecsenye is a Hungarian comfort food dish, featuring tender pork tenderloin and potatoes cooked together with a rich paprika-based sauce. It’s a hearty, homey meal.
Beigli: Hungarian Nut & Poppy Seed Roll
Beigli is a Hungarian pastry roll filled with sweet poppy seed or nut filling. It’s a popular dessert often enjoyed during the holiday season and is known for its delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Pörkölt (Hungarian Stew)
Pörkölt is a traditional Hungarian stew that offers a flavorful combination of meat, onions, and paprika. It’s a comforting and hearty dish embodying Hungarian cuisine’s essence.
Traditional German Recipes
See my German recipes for more meal inspiration.
Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
More easy dinner ideas: 19 Delicious Slow-Cooker Chicken Recipes That Save Time.
