Csirke Paprikas

Csirke Paprikas Recipe from Hungary | Delicious Chicken Dish

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

Introduction

Csirke Paprikas is a traditional Hungarian dish that features tender chicken cooked in a rich and creamy paprika sauce. This dish is a comforting and flavorful meal that is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.

History

Csirke Paprikas has its origins in Hungary, where paprika is a staple spice in many dishes. The dish is believed to have been created in the 18th century and has since become a beloved classic in Hungarian cuisine. Csirke Paprikas is often served with dumplings or noodles, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

2 frying chickens (about 3 lb (1.36 kg) each), cut up
4 tbsp lard, margarine, or butter
2 medium onions, peeled and chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
3 tbsp paprika (Hungarian)
1.5 cup chicken broth
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
2 tbsp flour
2 cup sour cream (room temperature)
tomatoes and green peppers (optional additions)

How to prepare

Wash the chickens and wipe them dry.
Heat lard in a large skillet and fry the chicken pieces on both sides until they turn golden.
Remove the cooked chicken pieces and keep them warm.
Pour off almost all of the fat from the skillet and add onions and garlic.
Saute the onions and garlic until they become tender.
Stir in paprika and cook for one minute.
Mix in chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
Season with salt and pepper, then return the chicken pieces to the skillet.
Cook the chicken slowly, covered, until it becomes tender.
Add more chicken broth during cooking if needed.
Remove the chicken to a warm platter.
Combine flour and sour cream, then mix them into the skillet.
Cook the mixture slowly, stirring, until it thickens and becomes smooth.
Return the chicken pieces to the sauce and leave them on the stove long enough to heat through.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes for a tangy twist.
Use smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
Substitute chicken thighs for a richer taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use Hungarian paprika for an authentic flavor in this dish.

- Cooking the chicken slowly will help it become tender and juicy.

- Adjust the amount of paprika to suit your taste preferences.

- Adding green peppers to the dish can add a pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Csirke Paprikas is traditionally served with dumplings, noodles, or rice. A side of pickles or a fresh salad can also complement the dish well.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before simmering it in the sauce helps develop flavor.

- Slow cooking the chicken ensures it becomes tender and juicy.

- Thickening the sauce with flour and sour cream creates a creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

- Substitute tofu for chicken for a plant-based alternative.

- Use coconut cream instead of sour cream for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Csirke Paprikas can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Csirke Paprikas in a large serving dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Pair it with a side of dumplings or noodles for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Csirke Paprikas pairs well with a light and crisp white wine, such as a Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. A side of crusty bread or garlic bread can also complement the dish nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Csirke Paprikas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Csirke Paprikas contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Csirke Paprikas contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Csirke Paprikas contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Csirke Paprikas contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Csirke Paprikas is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Csirke Paprikas contains dairy (sour cream) and gluten (flour).

Summary

Csirke Paprikas is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Csirke Paprikas is a classic Hungarian dish that is rich in flavor and comforting to eat. With tender chicken cooked in a creamy paprika sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy it with dumplings, noodles, or rice for a satisfying meal that will warm you from the inside out.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. Csirke Paprikas, a traditional Hungarian dish that translates to "Chicken Paprikash", is a dish that holds a special place in my heart. I first learned how to make this dish from my dear friend Anna, who was Hungarian and had a talent for cooking authentic dishes from her homeland.

It was a cool autumn day when Anna invited me over to her cozy little cottage. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the warm aroma of paprika and chicken simmering on the stove. Anna was bustling around the kitchen, her hands moving with grace as she chopped onions and garlic.

"Come, come, my dear," she said with a smile. "I am making Csirke Paprikas today. You must learn how to make it."

I eagerly joined her at the stove, watching intently as she added the paprika to the onions and garlic, creating a rich, fragrant base for the dish. She then added the chicken pieces, letting them brown slightly before adding a generous amount of chicken broth. The simmering pot filled the kitchen with a mouthwatering scent that made my stomach growl in anticipation.

As the chicken cooked slowly, Anna shared with me the history of Csirke Paprikas. She told me how this dish originated in Hungary, where paprika is a staple ingredient in many traditional dishes. She explained that Csirke Paprikas is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for cozy evenings at home or special gatherings with loved ones.

After a few hours of simmering, the Csirke Paprikas was ready. Anna served it over a bed of buttered noodles, garnishing it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The first bite was pure heaven - tender chicken coated in a rich, velvety sauce that was bursting with the flavors of paprika and garlic. It was a dish that warmed both my body and my soul.

From that day on, Csirke Paprikas became a staple in my own kitchen. I would often make it for my family and friends, sharing with them the story of how I learned to make this dish from my dear friend Anna. Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe slightly, adding my own personal touch with a pinch of this or a dash of that. But the heart of the dish remains the same - simple, comforting, and full of love.

As I grew older and my family expanded, Csirke Paprikas became a dish that my grandchildren would request whenever they came to visit. They would sit at the kitchen table, eagerly watching as I prepared the dish, just as I had once done with Anna. I would share with them the story of how I learned to make Csirke Paprikas, passing down not just a recipe, but a piece of my heritage and a love for good food.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, stirring a pot of Csirke Paprikas for my family, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures in life - a warm meal shared with loved ones, a recipe passed down through generations, and the memories of dear friends who have touched our lives in more ways than they will ever know. And as I take a bite of the tender chicken, coated in a rich, velvety sauce that is bursting with the flavors of paprika and garlic, I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring us together, to comfort us, and to nourish both body and soul.