Hungarian Lecsó (Lecsó) – Traditional Hungarian Pepper and Tomato Stew

Hungarian Lecsó is a rustic, comforting dish made with sweet peppers, ripe tomatoes, onions, and paprika. Simple, colorful, and full of traditional Hungarian flavor, it is a beloved home-style meal that can be enjoyed as a light main dish, side dish, or hearty breakfast.

This version is especially satisfying with slices of Hungarian sausage, which add a smoky, savory flavor to the naturally sweet vegetables.

What Is Hungarian Lecsó?

Lecsó is one of the classic dishes of Hungarian cuisine. At its heart, it is a slow-cooked combination of peppers, tomatoes, onions, and paprika. The vegetables soften together and create a rich, naturally sweet sauce.

Different families have their own versions. Some keep it completely vegetarian, while others add sausage, bacon, eggs, or rice. The beauty of lecsó is that it is flexible while still maintaining its unmistakable Hungarian character.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4–5 Hungarian wax peppers or sweet peppers, sliced
• 3–4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1–2 teaspoons sweet Hungarian paprika
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 200–250 g smoked Hungarian sausage, sliced
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish