Beef Paprikas

Beef Paprikas Recipe - Authentic Hungarian Dish

Region / culture: Hungary | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Beef Paprikas is a rich and comforting dish that boasts a deep, savory flavor profile accentuated by the warmth of paprika. This recipe combines tender slices of beef tenderloin with a creamy, paprika-infused sauce, complemented by the earthiness of mushrooms and the freshness of dill. It's a dish that promises to transport your taste buds to the heart of Eastern European cuisine, offering a delightful culinary experience that's both hearty and sophisticated.

History

The origins of Beef Paprikas can be traced back to Hungary, where paprika, the spice that gives this dish its distinctive flavor and color, is a staple ingredient in many traditional recipes. Paprikas, in Hungarian cuisine, refers to dishes that are prepared with paprika, onions, and a thickening agent like flour or sour cream. Over time, this culinary concept spread across Eastern Europe, with each region adding its unique twist to the recipe. The version presented here is a testament to the dish's adaptability and enduring popularity.

Ingredients

4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 large onions, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 lb (454 g) mushrooms, sliced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1.5 tbsp paprika, preferably Hungarian sweet
2.5 cups beef stock or canned unsalted broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
0.75 cup sour cream
3 tbsp chopped fresh dill
1.75 lb (794 g) center-cut beef tenderloin, cut into 0.25 to 0.5 inch thick slices, halved lengthwise
0.25 cup dry white wine
chopped tomatoes (optional)

How to prepare

Melt half of the butter in a heavy large deep skillet over medium heat.
Add onions and bell pepper and sauté until they turn light golden, about 10 minutes.
Add mushrooms and sauté until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
Mix in flour and paprika and stir for 2 minutes.
Mix in stock and tomato paste.
Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
Boil until the sauce thickens and the paprika flavor mellows, stirring frequently for about 8 minutes.
Mix in sour cream.
Remove from heat and add dill.
Season to taste with salt and pepper (can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to a simmer before adding beef).
Melt half of the remaining butter in another heavy large skillet over medium-high heat.
Working in batches, add beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until just browned on each side.
Transfer to a plate.
Add more butter as needed.
When all the beef is browned, add it to the sauce along with any drippings on the plate.
Add dry white wine to the skillet and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits.
Boil until syrupy, about 3 minutes.
Add to the beef.
Sprinkle with chopped tomatoes before serving, if desired.

Variations

For a lighter version, use light sour cream and lean cuts of beef.
Add a spicy kick with a teaspoon of hot paprika or a few dashes of cayenne pepper.
Vegetarians can substitute beef with portobello mushrooms or tofu for a meat-free version.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best Beef Paprikas, consider these tips:

- Use high-quality, Hungarian sweet paprika for an authentic and rich flavor.

- Sear the beef in batches to ensure it browns nicely without overcrowding the pan.

- Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken before adding the beef to ensure the flavors meld beautifully.

- If the sauce thickens too much upon reheating, a little broth can help thin it to the desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Beef Paprikas is traditionally served with egg noodles or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed green beans or a crisp salad can add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the beef in batches and allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken are key techniques in this recipe. These steps ensure that the flavors develop fully and the beef remains tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute beef with chicken or pork for a different flavor profile.

- Use cornstarch instead of flour for a gluten-free thickening agent.

- Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a tangier sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

The sauce can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. Reheat it gently, adding a little broth if necessary, before adding the browned beef.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Beef Paprikas in a deep dish, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill. A side of buttered egg noodles or mashed potatoes makes for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

A medium-bodied red wine, such as a Merlot or a Pinot Noir, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of Beef Paprikas. For beer lovers, a dark lager complements the dish well.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Beef Paprikas contains approximately 400-450 calories, making it a hearty and satisfying meal option that can fit into a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

This Beef Paprikas recipe contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates, primarily from the onions, mushrooms, and all-purpose flour. Each serving provides approximately 15-20 grams of carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for those following a moderate carbohydrate diet.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come from the unsalted butter, sour cream, and the beef tenderloin. The total fat content per serving is approximately 20-25 grams, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats. Opting for light sour cream can reduce the saturated fat content.

Proteins

Beef Paprikas is an excellent source of high-quality protein, thanks to the beef tenderloin. Each serving offers about 30-35 grams of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A from the paprika, Vitamin C from the green bell peppers, and B vitamins from the beef. It also provides iron and potassium, contributing to a balanced diet.

Alergens

The primary allergens in this recipe include dairy (butter and sour cream) and gluten (from the all-purpose flour). Those with sensitivities or allergies to these ingredients should consider suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Beef Paprikas is a balanced dish that offers a good mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a hearty meal that can be enjoyed as part of a nutritious diet.

Summary

Beef Paprikas is a classic dish that combines tender beef, a creamy paprika sauce, and the freshness of dill for a comforting and flavorful meal. With its rich history and nutritional benefits, it's a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences. Whether served for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, it's sure to satisfy.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Beef Paprikas. It was many years ago, when I was a young girl living in a small village in Hungary. My grandmother, whom we all called Nagymama, was known far and wide for her incredible cooking skills. She would spend hours in the kitchen, creating delicious dishes that would leave everyone in awe.

One day, as I sat at the kitchen table watching Nagymama work her magic, she pulled out a tattered old cookbook from the shelf. It was filled with handwritten notes and splattered with various ingredients. As she flipped through the pages, she came across a recipe for Beef Paprikas. I could see the excitement in her eyes as she read over the ingredients and instructions.

"Ah, this is one of my favorite dishes to make," she said with a smile. "I learned this recipe from my own grandmother many years ago. It's a traditional Hungarian dish that is full of flavor and always brings back memories of home."

I eagerly watched as Nagymama began to gather the ingredients for the Beef Paprikas. She explained each step to me in detail, showing me how to brown the beef, sauté the onions and bell peppers, and add the paprika for that signature flavor. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of garlic, onions, and paprika, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Nagymama told me the story of how she had learned to make Beef Paprikas. She explained that her grandmother had taught her the recipe when she was just a young girl, passing down the tradition from generation to generation. She spoke fondly of her memories of cooking with her grandmother in the kitchen, learning the secrets of Hungarian cuisine.

Over the years, I have made Beef Paprikas countless times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. I have shared it with friends and family, spreading the joy and comfort that this dish brings. It has become a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of the love and tradition that has been passed down through the generations.

I often think back to that day in Nagymama's kitchen, watching her create magic with just a few simple ingredients. I am grateful for the lessons she taught me, not just in cooking, but in life as well. The importance of family, tradition, and the simple pleasure of sharing a meal with loved ones.

As I sit here now, flipping through my own tattered old cookbook, I smile at the memories that flood back to me. The love and passion that went into every dish that Nagymama created, the joy of learning new recipes and techniques, and the satisfaction of sharing a delicious meal with those I care about.

And so, I will continue to cook and create, always remembering the lessons that Nagymama taught me. The recipe for Beef Paprikas will forever hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and tradition that has shaped me into the cook and person I am today.