Does anyone really need a reason to try Hungarian food? Well, if convincing is what you're after, consider this. Hungarian cuisine has been influenced by the French, Germans, Italians and Turks, not to mention the Polish, Slavs and Asians. The result is a rich blend of one-pot meals cooked for hours over open fires and pastries that would put Vienna to shame. Take your palate on a magic carpet ride with these 10 recipes from Hungary.
1. Kohlrabi Soup
© 2008 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
Kohlrabi is the darling of the Eastern European vegetable garden. Ugly duckling though it might be and a cross between a cabbage and a turnip, kohlrabi keeps well over the long, cold European winters, and finds its way into many recipes. This creamy soup is kohlrabi elevated to a gift from the gods.
2. Hungarian Sausage and Potatoes ("Rakott Burgonya")
© 2008 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
This hearty dish of Hungarian sausage, potatoes and hard-cooked eggs can be served as a luncheon dish with a crisp, green salad, as a main course, or as an accompaniment. It makes a great potluck dish, too.
3. Hungarian Beef Goulash ("Marha Gulas")
Hungarian Beef Goulash ("Marha Gulas")
Hungarian Beef Goulash is a one-pot wonder that frees you to go off and do other things while it bubbles away. It's perfect for a slow cooker and makes another great potluck dish.
4. Hungarian Pork with Rice ("Serteshus Rizzsel")
© 2008 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
Hungarian Pork with Rice is comfort food of the highest order with a combination of sweet Hungarian paprika, green peppers, tomatoes and onion. Best of all, the rice cooks right in the same pot with the other ingredients.
5. Hungarian Chicken Paprikash ("Csirke Paprikas")
© 2008 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
Hungarian Chicken Paprikash is the perfect excuse to eat carbs. The sour cream-rich meal wouldn't be the same without some type of noodle or dumpling. This one-pot dish is another candidate for the slow cooker and potlucks.
6. Hungarian Stuffed Peppers ("Toltott Paprika")
© 2008 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
Hungarian Stuffed Peppers cook up moist in a slow cooker, but do just as well on the stovetop or in the oven. It's a great busy-day meal.
7. Hungarian Pancakes ("Palacsinta")
© 2008 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
Hungarian pancakes can be made with or without sugar for sweet or savory fillings. These "crepe"-like, paper-thin pancake make a great base for creamed meats, seafood and vegetables, and fruits, custards and mousses.
8. Hungarian Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs and Mushrooms ("Gombas Rantotta Palacsinta")
© 2008 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
This dish is made with savory "palacsinta," a crepe-like pancake, scrambled eggs and mushrooms. It's perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or as a main course.
9. Hungarian Stacked Pancakes ("Rakott Palacsinta")
© Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
Hungarian stacked pancakes are a delightful change from the mundane. They're filled with fruit fillings, custards, flavored cream cheeses, sweetened nuts or whatever you like best.
10. Hungarian Sweet Cabbage Strudel
© 2008 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
This poor man's strudel, made with cabbage instead of apples, is an unexpected delight. When the cabbage is sauteed and combined with sugar and raisins, you'd never know the difference!
