What are your favorite types of foods?

As someone of Hungarian descent, I’ve been fortunate to grow up immersed in a rich and diverse culinary tradition. Hungarian cuisine is a tapestry of flavors, textures, and aromas that reflect the country’s history and culture. While I have many favorite dishes, if I had to highlight one, it would undoubtedly be pork stew with dumplings, known in Hungarian as sertéspörkölt galuskával.

Why I Love It

This dish holds a special place in my heart. It’s comforting, hearty, and reminds me of family gatherings where stories were shared over steaming bowls of stew. The tender pork simmered in a rich paprika sauce paired with soft, homemade dumplings creates a satisfying meal that’s hard to beat.

Recipe: Pork Stew with Dumplings (Sertéspörkölt Galuskával)

Serves: 4

Ingredients

For the Pork Stew:

• 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder or leg, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1 tomato, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (240ml) water or beef broth

For the Dumplings (Galuska):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Making the Pork Stew:

1. Sauté the Onions: Heat the oil or lard in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent and lightly golden.
2. Add Garlic and Paprika: Stir in the minced garlic, sweet paprika, and smoked paprika if using. Mix well to coat the onions, but be careful not to burn the paprika as it can become bitter.
3. Add the Pork: Add the pork pieces to the pot, stirring to ensure each piece is coated with the paprika-onion mixture.
4. Season and Add Vegetables: Sprinkle in the caraway seeds, salt, and pepper. Add the chopped bell pepper and tomato if using. Stir everything together.
5. Simmer: Pour in the water or beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork is tender. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if necessary to prevent sticking.

Making the Dumplings (Galuska):

1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the eggs and water. Mix until a smooth, sticky dough forms.
2. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
3. Form the Dumplings: Using a spaetzle maker, colander, or a teaspoon, drop small pieces of the dough into the boiling water.
4. Cook the Dumplings: Once the dumplings float to the surface, let them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Drain: Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a bowl. You can toss them with a little melted butter or oil to prevent sticking.

Serving

Serve the pork stew hot over a generous helping of dumplings. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to balance the richness.

Final Thoughts

Pork stew with dumplings is more than just a meal; it’s a connection to my heritage and a celebration of Hungarian culinary artistry. I hope this recipe brings you as much joy and comfort as it brings me. Enjoy!

Thank you for reading.

Have a nice day

Lajos