How to make the traditional Hungarian Beef Stew (Marhapörkölt)

How to Make Traditional Hungarian Beef Stew (Marhapörkölt)

If you’ve ever wondered how to make traditional Hungarian Beef Stew (Marhapörkölt), you’re in for a treat! This classic dish is a staple of Hungarian cuisine, known for its rich, paprika-infused sauce and tender, slow-cooked beef. With simple ingredients and time-tested techniques, you can recreate this comforting meal in your own kitchen.

To start, the base of the stew is built on sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers, which give the dish its depth of flavor. The beef is then seared to lock in its juices before being simmered with a blend of sweet and smoked paprika, ground cumin, and a splash of red wine. These elements come together to create the signature rich and aromatic sauce that makes this dish so beloved.

Wondering how to make traditional Hungarian Beef Stew (Marhapörkölt) taste authentic? The key lies in patience—slow cooking allows the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while the flavors intensify. Served with nokedli or fresh bread, this stew is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.

Now that you know how to make traditional Hungarian Beef Stew (Marhapörkölt), gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a taste of Hungary in every bite. It’s a dish that’s perfect for family meals, special occasions, or simply savoring the flavors of home.

The Hungarian Beef Stew with nokedli

Marhapörkölt, or Hungarian Beef Stew, is a beloved classic that embodies the heart and soul of Hungarian cuisine. This dish is all about slow-cooked flavors, tender beef, and a rich, paprika-spiced sauce that’s perfect for dipping with fresh bread or pairing with nokedli (Hungarian dumplings). It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s great for family dinners or special occasions.

What makes marhapörkölt truly special is its depth of flavor, achieved by patiently building layers of aromatics, spices, and broth. From the caramelized onions to the bold paprika and a splash of red wine, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is timeless. Whether you’re cooking it for the first time or revisiting a cherished recipe, this Hungarian Beef Stew will transport you straight to the heart of Hungary.

Ingredients

• 350 g onions, finely chopped

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 100 g bell pepper, diced

• 40 g coconut oil (or your preferred cooking fat)

• 500 g beef shank, cubed

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tbsp sweet paprika

• ½ tbsp smoked paprika

• 2 bay leaves

• 200 ml red wine

• 40 g tomato, diced

• 2 - 2 ½ liters beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth, or water)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base:Heat the coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions, garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and golden.

2. Brown the Beef:Add the cubed beef to the pot and cook until browned and the fat has rendered. Season with salt, black pepper, ground cumin, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, and bay leaves. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the spices.

3. Add the Wine:Pour in the red wine and bring to a simmer. Allow the wine to reduce to about a quarter of its volume, concentrating its flavors.

4. Simmer the Stew:Add the diced tomatoes and half of the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding more broth as needed, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. This will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

5. Serve:Remove the bay leaves and ladle the stew into bowls. Serve hot with nokedli, fresh bread, or your favorite side dish.

This Hungarian Beef Stew, or marhapörkölt, is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The slow-cooked tenderness of the beef, combined with the bold spices and rich sauce, makes it the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re serving it to your family or sharing it with friends, this dish is sure to impress. Pair it with a side of nokedli or fresh bread to soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me @artisanistshop. I’d love to see your creations and hear about your experience recreating this Hungarian classic. Happy cooking!