Hungarian Paprika Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Hungarian Paprika Potatoes is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender potatoes simmered with smoky paprika, sautéed vegetables, and savory sausage. Crispy bacon bits on top add a delightful crunch, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 slices bacon, chopped into about 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped into small bits
• 500 grams potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into chunks
• 1/2 to 1 tablespoon Hungarian paprika
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 pieces sausage (Frankfurters), chopped into about ¼-inch thick slices
• Salt and ground black pepper, to season

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the bacon bits in a cold saucepan, then heat over medium-high. Fry until the fat renders and the bacon becomes crispy.
2. Step 2: Transfer the crispy bacon onto a plate lined with kitchen paper to absorb excess oil, then set aside.
3. Step 3: Return the pan to the heat and add the chopped onion. Sauté until softened, then add the tomato paste and Hungarian paprika.
4. Step 4: Continue sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes, lowering the heat to avoid burning the paprika and tomato paste.
5. Step 5: Add the chopped green bell pepper, mix well, and cook for another minute.
6. Step 6: Add the potatoes along with salt and ground black pepper. Stir to coat the potatoes evenly with the spices and vegetables.
7. Step 7: Pour in 1½ to 2 cups of water, just enough to cover the potatoes.
8. Step 8: Cover with a lid, bring to a soft boil over medium heat, then lower the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
9. Step 9: Add the chopped sausage and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
10. Step 10: Cover and cook for about 5 more minutes, then remove the pan from the heat.
11. Step 11: Transfer to plates and sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon bits on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked paprika instead of regular Hungarian paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
• Substitute Frankfurters with smoked sausage or kielbasa for extra heartiness.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and sausage, and add mushrooms or smoked tofu instead.
• Make sure to keep the heat low when sautéing paprika to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.

Storage

Store leftover Hungarian paprika potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the dish feels dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use sweet paprika instead of Hungarian paprika?

Yes, sweet paprika is a good substitute though it may be milder. Hungarian paprika often has a slightly smoky or spicy edge, so adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, Hungarian Paprika Potatoes is naturally gluten-free as long as the sausages used do not contain gluten fillers. Always check the sausage label if you need to avoid gluten.

Hungarian Paprika Potatoes Recipe

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4.4 from 58 reviews

Hungarian Paprika Potatoes is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender potatoes simmered with aromatic Hungarian paprika, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and smoky bacon bits. This comforting stovetop recipe is enhanced with tomato paste and savory sausage slices, making it a perfect rustic meal packed with rich spices and textures.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 slices bacon, chopped into about 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped into small bits
• 500 grams potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into chunks
• 1/2 to 1 tablespoon Hungarian paprika
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 pieces sausage (Frankfurters), chopped into about ¼-inch thick slices
• Salt and ground black pepper, to season

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon: Place the chopped bacon in a cold saucepan and heat over medium-high heat. Fry until the fat renders out and the bacon pieces become crispy.
2. Drain bacon fat: Transfer the crispy bacon bits onto a plate lined with kitchen paper to absorb excess oil. Set aside.
3. Sauté onion: Return the pan to heat, add the finely chopped onion, and sauté until softened and translucent.
4. Add tomato paste and paprika: Stir in the tomato paste and Hungarian paprika and continue sautéing gently for 2 to 3 minutes, lowering the heat to avoid burning the paprika and tomato paste.
5. Add bell pepper: Mix in the chopped green bell pepper and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Add potatoes and seasoning: Add the peeled potato chunks along with salt and ground black pepper. Stir well to coat the potatoes evenly with the spices and vegetable mixture.
7. Add water and simmer: Pour in 1½ to 2 cups of water—just enough to cover the potatoes. Cover the pan with a lid, bring to a soft boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
8. Cook potatoes until tender: Let the potatoes simmer gently until tender, about 15-20 minutes depending on the size of the chunks.
9. Add sausage: Stir in the sliced sausage and mix well to combine. Cook covered for about 5 more minutes so the sausage heats through and flavors meld.
10. Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
11. Serve with bacon topping: Remove from heat, transfer the potatoes to plates, and crumble the reserved crispy bacon bits on top before serving.

Notes

• Use Hungarian sweet paprika for authentic flavor; smoked paprika can add a different smoky taste.
• Adjust the amount of water to control the consistency; less water will make it thicker, more will create a stew-like dish.
• The dish is great served with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and sausage and add smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
• Simmer gently to avoid burning the paprika and to allow potatoes to cook evenly.

Keywords: Hungarian paprika potatoes, paprika potatoes, Hungarian recipe, stovetop potato dish, hearty potato recipe, bacon potatoes, sausage potatoes, rustic Hungarian food