Hearty Mushroom Stew with Homemade Nokedli
6 Servings

The secret to this hearty mushroom stew lies in its flavorful base. While mushrooms cook quickly, building a thick and aromatic sauce is essential. Sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers form the foundation, enhanced by Hungarian spices like sweet paprika, black pepper, and caraway seeds. The mushrooms are then simmered in this sauce until tender and infused with flavor.
This hearty mushroom stew is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it with nokedli, Hungarian dumplings, for a truly authentic experience. For a creamy twist, add a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Whether you’re a fan of mushrooms or just looking for a cozy vegetarian alternative, this hearty mushroom stew is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Hungary right in your own kitchen!
When you’re cooking for both vegetarians and meat lovers, finding the perfect balance can be tricky—but not with this mushroom stew! Inspired by the rich flavors of Hungarian beef stew, this vegetarian twist delivers all the warmth and heartiness you crave, without the beef. And let’s be real: everything tastes better with homemade nokedli (because, obviously, carbs are life).
The secret to this dish? It’s all about the base. Mushrooms don’t take long to cook, so we put extra love into building a thick, flavorful sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Pair it with nokedli, a dollop of sour cream, and maybe even a glass of wine for the ultimate comfort meal. Let’s get cooking!
6 Servings
Ingredients
For the stew:500 g mushrooms, sliced
2 medium onions, finely chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small bell pepper, diced
1 tsp sweet paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp caraway seeds
1/2 tsp dried marjoram
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt to taste
2-3 tbsp vegetable oil
500 ml water
Optional: 2-3 tbsp sour creamFor the nokedli (Hungarian dumplings):200 g all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1/4 tsp salt
50 ml water
Instructions
Prepare the mushrooms:Heat a large pot over high heat and sauté the sliced mushrooms in a bit of oil for 3-5 minutes until they develop a nice golden color. Remove the mushrooms and set them aside.
Cook the base:Lower the heat and add more oil to the pot. Sauté the onions with a pinch of salt for 5-8 minutes until golden.
Stir in the garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.Build the flavors:Add the sweet paprika, black pepper, caraway seeds, marjoram, garlic powder, and a bit more salt. Mix well.
Pour in 500 ml of water and bring to a simmer. Cook until the liquid reduces and the sauce thickens slightly.Combine the mushrooms:Return the sautéed mushrooms to the pot and cook for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
If desired, stir in sour cream for added creaminess.Make the nokedli:In a bowl, mix the flour, eggs, salt, and water until you have a sticky dough.
Using a nokedli grater or a spoon, drop small pieces of dough into a pot of boiling salted water. Cook until the nokedli float to the surface, then drain and rinse briefly with cold water.Serve and enjoy:Ladle the mushroom stew over the nokedli and serve immediately. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying dish!