Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. Hungarian sausage, sliced
- 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced
- 2 green bell peppers, sliced
- 4 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp. paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers to the skillet and cook until they are slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.
7. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine.
8. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
5. Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for browning the sausage
- Medium-low heat for simmering the vegetables and sausage
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 18g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Any type of sausage can be used in place of Hungarian sausage.
- Yellow or orange bell peppers can be used in place of green bell peppers.
- Canned tomatoes can be used in place of fresh tomatoes.
Variations:
- Add diced potatoes to the skillet for a heartier dish.
- Use smoked paprika for a smokier flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to slice the sausage thinly so it cooks evenly.
- Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet while cooking the vegetables for added flavor.
- Let the mixture simmer for the full 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the lecsó in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the lecsó in individual bowls with a slice of crusty bread on the side.
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro can be chopped and sprinkled on top for added color and flavor.
Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Crusty bread or rice are great options to serve alongside the lecsó.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken.
- If the vegetables are not cooked to your liking, let them simmer for a few more minutes until tender.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Lecsó is a traditional Hungarian dish made with peppers, onions, and tomatoes. It is often served as a side dish or as a main course with sausage or eggs.
Flavor profiles:
- The lecsó has a sweet and slightly tangy flavor from the peppers and tomatoes, with a smoky and savory flavor from the sausage.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the lecsó hot with a slice of crusty bread or over rice for a filling and satisfying meal.
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Region: Hungarian