Indulge in the rich flavors of Hungary with this traditional dish known as Pörkölt. Distinct from its cousin, goulash, this hearty stew boasts a unique characteristic – it's thick and rich, lacking the typical liquid broth.

Made with tender cuts of pork or chicken, simmered slowly with onions, paprika, and a blend of savory spices, this dish promises a symphony of flavors with every bite. Served hot and paired with a side of buttered noodles or crusty bread, Hungarian Pörkölt is sure to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the charming streets of Budapest.

Here's a recipe for Hungarian Pörkölt:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (about 900g) pork shoulder or chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon Hungarian hot paprika (optional, for added heat)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken or beef broth
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1- Heat the vegetable oil or lard in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

2- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

3- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the pork or chicken pieces to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sear the meat until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

5- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Sprinkle the sweet paprika, hot paprika (if using), and caraway seeds over the meat, stirring well to coat evenly.

6- Stir in the tomato paste until well combined with the meat and onions.

7- Pour in the chicken or beef broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.

8- Cover the pot with a lid and simmer the Pörkölt over low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally.

9- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

10- Once the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the pot from the heat.

11- Serve the Hungarian Pörkölt hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Traditionally, it is served with buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Enjoy your flavorful Hungarian Pörkölt!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the main ingredients used in Hungarian Pörkölt:

Pork shoulder (2 lbs or 900g):

• Calories: 1720 kcal
• Protein: 160g
• Fat: 120g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Contains essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins for overall health and energy production.

Chicken thighs (2 lbs or 900g):

• Calories: 1740 kcal
• Protein: 156g
• Fat: 120g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Contains essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins for overall health and energy production.

Onions (2 large):

• Calories: 100 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 4g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants like quercetin, which may help reduce inflammation and promote heart health.
• Contains prebiotic fibers that support gut health and digestion.
• Provides vitamin C and other nutrients that support immune function.

Garlic (3 cloves):

• Calories: 13 kcal
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0.2g

benefits:

• Known for its antimicrobial properties, garlic may help fight infections and boost immune health.
• Contains sulfur compounds like allicin, which have been linked to lower blood pressure and improved cardiovascular health.
• May have anti-inflammatory effects and contribute to improved bone health.

Tomato paste (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 30 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:

• Good source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant associated with reduced risk of certain cancers and heart disease.
• Contains vitamin C, potassium, and other nutrients that support immune function and overall health.
• May help improve skin health and protect against UV damage due to its antioxidant properties.

Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Provides healthy fats such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which support heart health and reduce inflammation.
• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage and supports immune function.
• Helps enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, D, E, and K.

Chicken or beef broth (1 cup or 240ml):

• Calories: 15 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific cut of meat, brand of ingredients, and cooking methods.