Light and Savory Paprikash

Savory Paprikash Recipe from Hungary with Ground Round, Mushrooms, and Yogurt

Region / culture: Hungary | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Light and savory paprikash is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines ground round with onions, celery, apples, and mushrooms in a flavorful broth seasoned with paprika and caraway seeds. The addition of yogurt at the end adds a creamy finish to this hearty dish.

History

Paprikash is a traditional Hungarian dish that is typically made with chicken or pork, but this lighter version uses ground round for a leaner option. The addition of apples and yogurt gives this dish a unique twist that adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) ground round
1 large onion, chopped
1 small stalk celery, chopped
1 small apple, chopped
1.67 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
2 cups beef broth
0.5 tsp dried thyme leaves
0.25 tsp caraway seeds
2 cups uncooked medium noodles
1 tbsp paprika
3 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp plain non-fat yogurt

How to prepare

Coat a large frying pan with nonstick spray or drizzle with olive oil.
Crumble the beef into the pan.
Add the onions, celery, apples, and mushrooms.
Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the mixture with a wooden spoon, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the meat is lightly browned.
Stir in the broth, thyme, caraway seeds, and noodles.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the noodles are just tender.
Stir in the paprika and tomato paste.
Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove from the heat, stir in the yogurt, and serve.

Variations

Try using ground turkey or chicken in place of ground round for a lighter option.
Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the ground round until it is lightly browned to develop flavor.

- Adding the yogurt at the end of cooking helps to prevent curdling and adds a creamy finish to the dish.

- Adjust the amount of paprika to suit your taste preferences - you can add more for a spicier dish or less for a milder flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this light and savory paprikash with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the noodles until they are just tender to avoid overcooking.

- Stirring in the yogurt at the end of cooking helps to prevent curdling and adds a creamy finish to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ground round, you can use ground beef or another lean ground meat.

- Greek yogurt can be used in place of plain non-yogurt for a tangier flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Garnish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of yogurt for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This light and savory paprikash pairs well with a glass of red wine or a crisp white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this light and savory paprikash contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Each serving of this dish contains around 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

With ground round as the main protein source, this dish provides about 20 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Paprika is a good source of vitamin C, while mushrooms provide essential minerals like potassium and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy in the form of yogurt, so it may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Light and savory paprikash is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to make and full of flavor, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner. Enjoy this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Light and Savory Paprikash. It was a cool autumn day, and I had just finished helping my grandmother in the kitchen. As a young girl, I was always eager to learn new recipes and techniques from her. She was a wonderful cook, and I admired her skills greatly.

That day, as we were cleaning up after dinner, my grandmother pulled out an old, tattered recipe book from a dusty shelf. She flipped through the pages, searching for something special to make. And then, she stopped at a page that was marked with a faded ribbon.

"I think I'll make this tonight," she said with a twinkle in her eye.

I peered over her shoulder to see what she was referring to. The recipe was for Light and Savory Paprikash. I had never heard of such a dish before, and I was intrigued. The ingredients seemed simple enough – chicken, onions, garlic, paprika, and sour cream – but the combination of flavors sounded exotic and enticing.

As my grandmother began to gather the ingredients and prepare the dish, she shared the story of how she came to learn the recipe. It was many years ago, when she was a young bride living in a small village in Hungary. She had befriended a kind old woman who lived down the road, and this woman had taken her under her wing and taught her many traditional Hungarian recipes.

The Light and Savory Paprikash was one of those recipes. The old woman had explained to my grandmother that paprika was the key ingredient in this dish, giving it its distinct flavor and vibrant color. She had shown her how to cook the chicken slowly in a rich paprika sauce until it was tender and juicy, and then finish it off with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy, tangy finish.

My grandmother had practiced making the dish over and over again until she had perfected it. And now, she was passing on the recipe to me.

As the paprikash simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its heady aroma, my grandmother continued to regale me with stories of her time in Hungary and the wonderful people she had met there. She spoke of the fields of bright red paprika peppers that stretched as far as the eye could see, and the bustling markets where women sold their homemade goods.

She told me of the warm, welcoming homes she had visited, where families gathered around the table to share hearty meals and laughter. And she spoke of the sense of community and connection that she had felt in that faraway land.

As we sat down to eat the Light and Savory Paprikash that evening, I could taste all of those memories in every bite. The dish was truly a labor of love, made with care and attention to detail. The flavors danced on my tongue – the earthy sweetness of the paprika, the richness of the chicken, and the tang of the sour cream.

I savored every mouthful, feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn from my grandmother and carry on the tradition of making this delicious dish. And as I licked my plate clean and asked for seconds, I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart for years to come.

So now, whenever I make Light and Savory Paprikash for my own family, I think of my grandmother and the lessons she taught me in the kitchen. I remember the stories she shared and the love that went into every pot of this comforting, flavorful dish. And I feel grateful for the gift of her knowledge and the memories we continue to create together through food.

For me, this recipe will always be more than just a dish – it is a connection to my past, a taste of my heritage, and a reminder of the love that binds us all. And I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will sit at my table, savoring the flavors of Light and Savory Paprikash and listening to the stories of their ancestors, just as I did with my grandmother.