Hungarian Pork Stew (Marhapörkölt)

🇭🇺 Hungarian Pork Stew (Marhapörkölt) – Rich, Smoky & Comforting!

This hearty, paprika-infused Hungarian pork stew (traditionally called Marhapörkölt) is slow-cooked to tender perfection with onions, peppers, and a touch of tomato. Serve it over buttery egg noodles or with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

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🥘 Ingredients

Serves: 4-6 | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 1.5-2 hrs

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder (or stew meat), cut into 1.5-inch cubes

• 2 tbsp lard or vegetable oil (traditional for flavor!)

• 2 large onions, finely chopped

• 2 bell peppers (red or yellow), diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika (essential!)

• 1 tsp smoked paprika (for depth)

• 1 tomato, diced (or 1 tbsp tomato paste)

• 1 carrot, grated (optional, for sweetness)

• 2 cups beef or pork broth

• 1 bay leaf

• Salt & black pepper to taste

For Serving:

• Egg noodles (nokedli), mashed potatoes, or crusty bread

• Sour cream & fresh parsley

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🔥 Instructions

1️⃣ Brown the Pork

1. Heat lard/oil in a heavy pot (Dutch oven ideal).

2. Sear pork in batches until golden brown (don’t crowd the pan!). Remove and set aside.

2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same pot, cook onions until soft (~5 mins).

2. Add bell peppers, garlic, and grated carrot (if using). Cook 5 more mins.

3. Remove from heat and stir in paprika (to prevent burning).

3️⃣ Simmer to Perfection

1. Return pork to the pot. Add tomato, broth, bay leaf, salt & pepper.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 1.5-2 hrs, stirring occasionally, until pork is fall-apart tender.

4️⃣ Adjust & Serve

1. Discard bay leaf. If too thin, simmer uncovered to thicken.

2. Serve over buttered egg noodles with a dollop of sour cream and fresh parsley.

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💡 Pro Tips

✔ Hungarian paprika is key—avoid Spanish or generic! (Szeged or Édesnemes brands are best.)
✔ For extra richness, add a splash of red wine with the broth.
✔ Make it spicy? Add ½ tsp cayenne or a chopped chili pepper.
✔ Leftovers taste even better the next day!

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🍽️ Traditional Pairings

• Nokedli (Hungarian dumplings) – [Ask for recipe!]

• Pickled vegetables (cucumbers or peppers)

• A crisp green salad with vinegar dressing

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Why You’ll Love It

• Deep, smoky-sweet paprika flavor

• Tender pork that melts in your mouth

• One-pot wonder with minimal fuss

Kóstoljátok! (Enjoy!) 😊

P.S. For an authentic touch, use real Hungarian lard—it makes a difference!