Hungarian Mushroom Stew

❤️ Why you’ll love it

This mushroom stew is a popular lunch or dinner in Hungary since it is cheap, easy to make, and brings all the authentic and comforting flavors you associate with Hungarian cuisine. It frequently features as Sunday lunch in my family.

This is an authentic Hungarian recipe passed down generations in my family and is unlike any mushroom stew you have ever had. The tomatoes and Hungarian wax peppers make the base of the stew when they turn to a thick sauce after cooking.

To cater all audiences, you will be happy to know that it is a naturally vegetarian dish. Since sour cream is optional (albeit highly recommended), it is also a naturally vegan meal.

🧾 Key ingredients

To make this Hungarian mushroom stew, you can easily get these ingredients at your local grocery store or they may already be in your pantry. The best part is that they are all plant-based and are used in traditional Hungarian cooking, so you know you are getting an authentic dish.

Button mushrooms are the star of this dish and add a meaty texture that is satisfying and filling. Hungarians do mix it sometime with wild mushrooms, but that is not typical.

Onion, garlic, tomatoes, and Hungarian wax pepper are the foundation of this stew. They add a depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness that will become the sauce after cooking.

Hungarian sweet paprika is a key spice in Hungarian cooking and gives this stew its signature rich, smoky flavor. It is a must-have for this recipe.

Vegetable broth is the liquid that brings all the ingredients together. It creates a rich, savory base for the stew and helps all the flavors meld together.

🛒 You can find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Preparing the ingredients

STEP 1
Start by preparing your vegetables. Peel and chop your onion and garlic. Then, wash and chop your potatoes, tomatoes, and Hungarian wax pepper.

STEP 2
Next, clean and slice your mushrooms. This preparation will make the cooking process much smoother.

Making the Hungarian mushroom stew

STEP 1
Heat a large pan. Add your mushroom slices and fry them on high heat for 5-6 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan. If needed, do this step in batches.

STEP 2
The mushrooms should be fried, not cooked. Once done, remove the mushrooms to a plate.

STEP 3

In the same pan, add oil. Cook the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes. Next, add your chopped tomatoes, Hungarian wax pepper, and garlic to the pan.

STEP 4
Season the stew with salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika powder. Stir until combined and cook for 8-10 minutes.

STEP 5
Pour the vegetable broth into the pan. Cook the stew on medium heat for 4-5 minutes.

STEP 6
You should have a thick sauce at the end with only a few chunks. If needed, use a hand blender to make the sauce smoother. I have to since that is how my kids prefer it.

STEP 7
Add the fried mushrooms back into the pan. Combine well and bring the stew to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, it is ready to serve. Enjoy your authentic Hungarian mushroom stew!

💡 Expert tip

For this Hungarian mushroom stew, the most crucial step is frying the mushrooms. Do not overcrowd the pan, and make sure to fry them on high heat for 5-6 minutes. This process is important as it helps the mushrooms release their water content without getting soggy. This intensifies their flavor and helps retain a satisfying, meaty texture in the stew.

🔄 Variations

If you are someone who enjoys a bit of heat in your meals, consider adding a pinch of hot pepper to your Hungarian mushroom stew. However, Hungarians add Eros Pista, which is a roughly pureed hot paprika or spicy Hungarian wax pepper slices. We never add them directly since the whole family including the kids eat it. If someone wants so spicy kick, they will add them to their plate.

If you are looking for a creamier version of this Hungarian mushroom stew, I suggest adding a bit of sour cream. This will give the stew a rich and creamy texture. This is also how my wife prefers it.

Don’t add any other vegetables. It will compromise the taste. Any recipes calling for other ingredients are not authentic Hungarian mushroom stew recipes.

🥣 Serving ideas

This Hungarian mushroom stew is versatile and you can enjoy it in many ways. It is a traditional Hungarian recipe that is often served with a variety of accompaniments. 

In Hungary, it is common to enjoy this stew with Hungarian bread, known as Pogácsa, or alongside Hungary dumplings, Nokedli. The tangy richness of Hungarian sour cream, or Tejföl, also makes a wonderful addition to this dish.

Another option is to serve it with some rosemary and cheese scones to soak up all those juices. You can also use it as a filling to make vegan pot pie for a comforting family meal.

❄️ Storing tips

This Hungarian mushroom stew is a dish that only gets better with time, as the flavors continue to meld together. It is a perfect meal prep option and can be stored and enjoyed throughout the week.

To store the leftovers, allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can then be kept in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Unfortunately, due to the high water content of the mushrooms, freezing is not recommended for this stew. When mushrooms are frozen and then thaw, they tend to become mushy and lose their texture, which can greatly affect the overall quality of the stew.

You can reheat refrigerated stew on the stovetop. Simply place the stew in a saucepan and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through.

🤔 FAQs

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