Chicken Paprika Stew with Tomato

Chicken Paprika Stew with Tomato Recipe from Hungary

Region / culture: Hungary | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chicken Paprika Stew with Tomato is a classic Hungarian dish that is rich in flavor and comforting to eat. The combination of tender chicken, sweet paprika, and tangy tomatoes creates a delicious and hearty stew that is perfect for a cozy meal.

History

This recipe has its origins in Hungary, where paprika is a staple spice in many dishes. The use of paprika in Hungarian cuisine dates back to the 16th century when it was introduced by the Turks. Over time, paprika became a key ingredient in many Hungarian dishes, including this flavorful chicken stew.

Ingredients

2 chopped onions
4 tbsp of shortening, corn oil, or lard
3 tbsp of hungarian paprika
2 tsp of sugar (do not omit)
0.13 tsp of black pepper or whole peppercorns
1 bay leaf
2 tsp of salt
4 to 5 lb (2.27 kg) of disjointed chicken (use legs, thighs, breast, and back for best flavor)
1 large can of crushed tomatoes
2 cups of water
2 tbsp of flour
2 tbsp of butter
0.5 pt (237 ml) of sour cream

How to prepare

Brown the onions in shortening.
Add the seasonings and chicken, and brown for 10 minutes.
Be careful not to let it burn.
Add the tomatoes, bay leaf, and water. Cover and let it simmer slowly until the chicken is tender.
To thicken the gravy, mix 2 tbsp of soft butter with 2 tbsp of flour to form a paste. Stir the paste into the stew liquid.
Cook for a few minutes until the liquid thickens.
Serve with dumplings or wide noodles.
Top each serving with sour cream.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Use bone-in chicken for a richer flavor.
Substitute chicken with pork or beef for a different twist on this classic dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use Hungarian paprika for the most authentic flavor.

- Browning the chicken before adding it to the stew helps to seal in the juices and enhance the flavor.

- Don't skip the sugar in this recipe, as it helps to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.

- For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs and legs with the skin on.

- Serve the stew with dumplings or wide noodles for a traditional Hungarian meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the stew with a side of crusty bread or over cooked rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before adding it to the stew helps to develop a deeper flavor.

- Simmering the stew slowly allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil instead of lard for a healthier option.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the stew with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this stew with a side of pickled vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

18g per serving

Proteins

32g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, and Calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter and sour cream) and gluten (flour).

Summary

This Chicken Paprika Stew with Tomato is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Paprika Stew with Tomato is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy meal. With its rich flavors and tender chicken, this stew is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it with dumplings or noodles for a traditional Hungarian meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe is still vivid in my mind. It was a warm summer day many years ago, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a Hungarian immigrant who had a knack for cooking delicious and comforting meals that always left me wanting more. On that particular day, she was bustling around the kitchen, preparing a dish that filled the room with the intoxicating aroma of paprika and tomatoes.

As I watched Maria work her magic, I couldn't help but ask her what she was making. She smiled at me and said, "Chicken Paprika Stew with Tomato." My mouth watered at the mere mention of it, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Maria was more than happy to share her recipe with me, but she warned me that it was a labor of love that required patience and attention to detail. She handed me a handwritten recipe card, yellowed with age and stained with years of use. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation building inside me.

The first step was to brown the chicken pieces in a large skillet until they were golden and crispy. The sound of sizzling chicken filled the kitchen as Maria expertly turned the pieces with a pair of tongs. She explained that this step was crucial for developing the rich flavor of the stew.

Next, Maria added a generous amount of Hungarian paprika to the skillet, along with diced onions and minced garlic. The paprika sizzled and released its smoky, spicy aroma, mingling with the sweet fragrance of the sautéed onions and garlic. Maria stirred the ingredients together, coating the chicken in a vibrant red sauce that promised to be bursting with flavor.

As the paprika and onions caramelized, Maria poured in a can of crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, creating a velvety sauce that simmered and bubbled on the stove. She added a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes, as well as a sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor of the stew.

The final touch was a dollop of sour cream, which Maria stirred into the sauce until it disappeared, leaving behind a rich and creamy finish. She explained that the sour cream added a tangy note that complemented the sweetness of the tomatoes and the heat of the paprika.

After letting the stew simmer for a while longer, Maria plated it up in a large, shallow bowl and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The aroma that wafted up from the bowl was enough to make my mouth water uncontrollably.

I eagerly took my first bite of the Chicken Paprika Stew with Tomato, and I was instantly transported to a world of rich, comforting flavors that danced on my palate. The tender chicken melted in my mouth, while the tangy tomato sauce clung to each bite, leaving me craving more.

From that day on, Chicken Paprika Stew with Tomato became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and quiet nights at home when I needed a comforting meal to warm my soul. Each time I made it, I thought of Maria and the day she shared her recipe with me, passing down a piece of her heritage and culinary expertise.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day in Maria's kitchen, I realize how much her recipe has meant to me over the years. It's more than just a dish – it's a connection to my past, a reminder of the friendships and memories that have shaped me into the person I am today.

And so, whenever I make Chicken Paprika Stew with Tomato, I do it with love and gratitude, honoring the tradition that Maria so generously passed down to me. I hope that one day, I can share this recipe with someone else and pass on the joy and comfort that it has brought me. Cooking is more than just a skill – it's a way of connecting with others, of sharing a piece of yourself through the food you create. And for that, I am forever grateful.