Pörkölt | FoodieAtlas

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 lbs beef stew meat or pork (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 large onions, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons sweet paprika (preferably Hungarian)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
1 cup beef or vegetable broth
1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
2 bell peppers, sliced (red or green)
2 large tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
1 teaspoon dried marjoram (optional)
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooked egg noodles, dumplings, or bread (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Meat

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Add the beef or pork pieces and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meat and set aside.

Cook the Base

In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Add Spices and Vegetables

Add the sweet paprika, smoked paprika (if using), and caraway seeds (if using). Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.

Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.

Add the chopped tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes.

Simmer

Return the browned meat to the skillet. Add the beef or vegetable broth, tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, dried marjoram (if using), and bay leaf. Stir well.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally.

Season and Serve

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Discard the bay leaf before serving.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.