Vegetable Paprikash

Vegetable Paprikash Recipe - A Hungarian vegetarian dish packed with flavor

Region / culture: Hungary | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Vegetable Paprikash is a delicious and hearty dish that originated in Hungary. This vegetarian version of the classic Hungarian dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

History

Paprikash is a traditional Hungarian dish that is typically made with meat, such as chicken or pork, and seasoned with paprika. However, this vegetable version of the dish is a modern twist on the classic recipe, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans alike.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
2 cups thinly sliced cabbage
2 medium onions, sliced
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 medium green bell peppers, sliced
1 medium zucchini, sliced
1.5 cups sliced mushrooms
1 medium tomato, chopped
3 tbsp unbleached all-purpose flour
1 to 2 tbsp hot or sweet paprika
0.75 cup vegetable broth
0.5 cup fat-free sour cream
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to prepare

Mix all ingredients together.

Variations

Add tofu or tempeh for extra protein.
Use different vegetables, such as eggplant or squash, for a unique twist on the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use a good quality paprika for the best flavor.

- Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender but still slightly crisp.

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

Serving Suggestions

Serve Vegetable Paprikash over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Saute the vegetables until they are tender.

- Stir in the flour and paprika to create a thick sauce.

- Simmer the mixture with vegetable broth until heated through.

- Stir in sour cream and season with black pepper before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil.

- Use any variety of mushrooms in place of sliced mushrooms.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Serve Vegetable Paprikash in a large serving bowl with a dollop of sour cream on top. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Vegetable Paprikash with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Serve with a glass of white wine or sparkling water.

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

180

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 25g

- Dietary Fiber: 5g

- Sugars: 8g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 5g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 30%

- Vitamin C: 80%

- Calcium: 6%

- Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains dairy (sour cream)

Summary

Vegetable Paprikash is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in vitamins and minerals. It is a great source of fiber and protein, making it a healthy choice for any meal.

Summary

Vegetable Paprikash is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for vegetarians and vegans. Packed with vegetables and seasoned with paprika, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a crisp autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. The aroma of onions, peppers, and paprika filled the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. As I watched Maria expertly sauté the vegetables and add in the rich tomato sauce, I knew I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

Maria had learned the recipe for Vegetable Paprikash from her Hungarian grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She explained to me that it was a traditional dish in Hungary, typically made with chicken or pork, but her family had adapted it to be vegetarian-friendly by using a variety of colorful vegetables instead.

As I observed Maria's careful technique and listened to her stories about her grandmother's kitchen, I felt a deep sense of nostalgia wash over me. I remembered my own grandmother's kitchen, where I had spent countless hours learning how to cook and bake. I realized that this recipe for Vegetable Paprikash was more than just a delicious meal – it was a connection to my past, a way to honor the traditions and memories of my own family.

After Maria had finished cooking, she invited me to sit down at the table and taste the Vegetable Paprikash. The flavors were incredible – the sweetness of the peppers, the earthiness of the mushrooms, and the warmth of the paprika all combined to create a dish that was comforting and satisfying. I savored each bite, feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn this recipe from my dear friend.

Over the following weeks, I practiced making Vegetable Paprikash in my own kitchen, using the notes I had taken from Maria's demonstration. I experimented with different vegetables and seasonings, adjusting the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. Each time I cooked the dish, I felt a sense of peace and contentment, as if I were channeling the spirit of my grandmother and her love for cooking.

As I continued to perfect the recipe for Vegetable Paprikash, I shared it with my family and friends, who all raved about its delicious flavors and comforting texture. They marveled at the depth of the dish, the way the vegetables melded together in perfect harmony, creating a symphony of taste and aroma. I felt proud to have mastered this traditional recipe and to have added my own twist to it, making it uniquely my own.

One day, as I was preparing Vegetable Paprikash for a family gathering, my granddaughter came into the kitchen and asked me what I was making. I smiled and told her about the recipe, sharing stories of Maria and my own grandmother, and the memories that were woven into each ingredient and each step of the cooking process. My granddaughter listened intently, her eyes wide with wonder, as I stirred the pot and added the final touches to the dish.

When the Vegetable Paprikash was ready, I served it to my family, watching with joy as they savored each bite and praised my cooking skills. My granddaughter, in particular, seemed to take great pleasure in the dish, her face lighting up with each mouthful. As she finished her meal, she turned to me and said, "Grandma, this is the best thing I've ever tasted! Can you teach me how to make it?"

I smiled at her eagerness and nodded, feeling a surge of pride and love for my granddaughter. I knew that this recipe for Vegetable Paprikash would continue to be passed down through the generations, just as Maria's grandmother had passed it down to her. And I knew that my own grandmother was looking down on me, smiling with pride at the way I had honored her memory and her love for cooking.

As I cleaned up the kitchen that evening, I thought about all the recipes I had learned over the years – from my grandmother, from Maria, and from countless other sources. Each recipe was a link to the past, a way to connect with my heritage and my family history. And each recipe was a gift, a way to share love and warmth with those I cared about.

I knew that as long as I continued to cook and share these recipes with others, the spirit of my grandmothers would live on, filling each dish with love and memories. And I knew that the recipe for Vegetable Paprikash would always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the bonds that connect us across time and generations.