Hungarian Cuisine Slow Cooker-Style

If you want to talk about a cuisine that's rich in flavor and texture, you definitely want to include Hungarian cuisine.  The evolution of Hungarian cuisine came about due to influence from neighboring countries Germany, Italy, and France.  Hungary has a history of making one-pot meals, so it would seem like an easy style of cooking for a beginner to learn, and perfectly suited to cooking hearty fall meals with your slow cooker.  Let's take a look at some of the ingredients and cooking methods that make this cuisine unique.

Paprika and More

Hungarian Gulash. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The best thing about Hungarian cuisine is it is not complex.  There are simple ingredients used and basic cooking techniques applied such as frying, baking, and boiling.   Paprika is known to be a key ingredient in many Hungarian dishes to give them more flavor.   This, along with garlic, lard, onions, and sour cream give these dishes a distinctive taste not found anywhere else.  

The meat stew known as 'goulash' is a favorite in Hungarian cuisine.  Locals rely on a supply of  pork and beef for their meals, which is one reason it’s hard to find dish without meat anywhere in Hungary.   A wide array of vegetables are used, however, and some types of fish can be found and cooked for a healthier menu choice. 

Each region in Hungary has its own selection of favorite foods and recipes.   As the land changes, so do the types of fresh foods that grow in that area.  Hungarians take pride in what they cook and want to showcase their culinary art by creating dishes full of sweet aromas and hearty flavors.  Some dishes may not be welcome by the sensitive stomach, but if you can handle the spice and rich meats, this is one of the most distinctive cuisines in the world and shouldn’t be missed.

Hungarian Meals and Slow Cooker Cooking

In the early history of Hungarian cuisine, most dishes were cooked all together in one kettle.  For this reason, using a slow cooker to cook modern Hungarian meals is a great way to create an authentic meal with ease and less stress.  With the world at our fingertips through the internet, it’s easy to find recipes that you can throw together for a Hungarian feast.  

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What better recipe to try in the slow cooker than the Hungarian favorite, goulash?   For an authentic taste you will need a few simple ingredients including paprika, onions, garlic, and tomatoes.   Small cuts of beef are added, soaking up the flavor of the seasonings and spices.  You can choose to serve with noodles or without, depending on how you like it.

You can choose to make other classic recipes like chicken paprikash or chicken and dumplings in the slow cooker as well.   Both of these recipes require a few easy to find ingredients.  Because these well known recipes are so simple to make, it is a great starting point for beginners who want to try their hand at Hungarian cuisine.

You don’t have to spend a ton of time going through cookbooks and finding odd ingredients you’ve never heard of to cook a Hungarian meal.  Most of the things you will need are already in your fridge or pantry.  Take advantage of your slow cooker and immerse yourself in Hungarian culture and cuisine without leaving the comfort of your own home.