Hungarian Creamy Pork Mushroom Paprikás

Here’s a recipe for Hungarian Creamy Pork Mushroom Paprikás – a rich and comforting dish full of traditional flavors like paprika, sour cream, and tender meat. This is a twist on the classic Paprikás Csirke (chicken paprikash), substituting pork and adding mushrooms for extra depth.

🥘 Hungarian Creamy Pork Mushroom Paprikás

🇭🇺 Flavor Profile:

• Rich and creamy

• Smoky-sweet from paprika

• Earthy from mushrooms

• Tangy from sour cream

🧾 Ingredients:

For the main dish:

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder or tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tbsp lard (or oil)

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

• 300g (10 oz) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms work well)

• 1 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika (more to taste)

• ½ tsp hot paprika or chili flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 150 ml (⅔ cup) chicken or vegetable stock

• 150 ml (⅔ cup) sour cream

• 1 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)

• 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional but traditional)

To serve:

• Nokedli (Hungarian dumplings), spaetzle, egg noodles, or rice

• Chopped parsley, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prep the Pork: Season pork pieces with salt and pepper.

2. Sauté the Onion: Heat lard/oil in a heavy pan or Dutch oven. Add the chopped onion and cook until golden and soft (8–10 minutes).

3. Add Garlic & Paprika:

   • Stir in minced garlic and caraway seeds (if using).

   • Remove the pan briefly from heat and stir in the paprika (to prevent burning). Mix well.

4. Brown the Pork: Return pan to heat. Add pork and cook until browned on all sides.

5. Add Mushrooms: Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown.

6. Deglaze & Simmer:

   • Add the stock. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan.

   • Cover and simmer on low for 45–60 minutes, until pork is tender and sauce has reduced.

7. Make it Creamy:

   • In a small bowl, mix sour cream with flour (if using) to prevent curdling.

   • Temper it: Stir in a spoonful of the hot sauce into the sour cream mix.

   • Then stir it all back into the pot. Simmer for 5–10 more minutes (do not boil).

8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add more salt, pepper, or paprika as needed.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

• Best with nokedli, spaetzle, or buttered egg noodles

• Serve with pickled cucumbers, cabbage salad, or crusty bread

🔄 Variations:

• Add bell peppers for extra sweetness.

• Use chicken or turkey instead of pork.

• For a vegetarian twist, use tofu or chickpeas and double the mushrooms.