Overview of Hungarian Cuisine
When you think of Hungarian cuisine, it is likely that goulash and chicken paprika spring to mind. However, there is much more to traditional Hungarian food than these two iconic dishes. The food of Hungary boasts a rich history with numerous influences, including neighboring Slavic countries, Germany, Austria, and France. Paprika, the favorite seasoning among Hungarians, is used generously, though mild paprika tends to be more common than spicy. Regardless of the dish, it is often characterized by rich and spicy flavors, reflecting Hungary’s Magyar past and its diverse cultural influences.
Hungarian Meat Dishes
Like many Eastern European cuisines, Hungary is known for its plentiful meat recipes. Goulash, tokany, and porkolt are all hearty dishes that contain meat alongside a robust mix of vegetables in stews or sauces. The most traditional goulash is typically made in a kettle and features beef, potatoes, carrots, spices, and, of course, a generous amount of paprika. Porkolt, which means roasted, is a stew made from beef, pork, lamb, or chicken, cooked with onions, spices, and paprika. Both dishes are often accompanied by nokedli, which are egg noodle dumplings, and are popular choices for Sunday dinner. Furthermore, sausages are a staple in Hungarian cuisine, enjoyed as snacks or part of breakfast without extensive preparation.
Hungarian Fish Dishes
If you seek a lighter option, Hungarian fish dishes may be a more suitable choice compared to the rich offerings of beef or pork. Traditional menus highlight fish and seafood, served with various sauces, vegetables, or mushrooms. One notable dish is the famous fisherman’s soup, a favorite during Christmas. This dish is crafted with river fish, onions, green peppers, and an abundance of red paprika. Although there are many variations of fisherman’s soup, these four ingredients remain constant. It is usually served with white bread and often followed by a second course of pasta tossed with sour cream, cottage cheese, and occasionally bacon, known as turos csusza.
Vegetarian Choices in Hungarian Cuisine
For vegetarians traveling in Hungary, options can be somewhat limited. Nevertheless, it is possible to find meatless goulash, vegetable-stuffed green peppers, and cabbage rolls. Those who appreciate breakfast for dinner can indulge in pancakes. One particularly notable traditional Hungarian dish that is typically meatless is langos. Langos are deep-fried flatbreads that can be topped with a variety of flavors, such as garlic sauce, cheese, and sour cream, reminiscent of pizza. Although often served with sausages, it is just as easy to find them fully vegetarian.
Desserts in Hungary
Hungarians have embraced dessert recipes and sweet treats from all over Europe. One of the most decadent specialties is somloi galuska, a sponge cake infused with walnut kernels, rum sauce, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup. Another rich offering is dobos torta, which consists of a sponge cake layered with chocolate buttercream and topped with caramel. For those with a sweet tooth, Hungary presents a sugar paradise with an abundance of doughnuts, strudel, and other pastries that define its delightful dessert cuisine.
