Hungarian Lecso Recipe

Pronounced 'leh-cho,' this vibrant Hungarian Lecso is a simple yet incredibly versatile sauce bursting with flavor! The unique taste comes from the hot peppers – adjust the quantity to your spice preference. This recipe is easily adaptable, freezes beautifully, and makes a fantastic base for soups, stews, fish dishes, pasta, and rice. Top with a dollop of sour cream for extra richness. Adapted from Moosewood Restaurant Low-Fat Favorites.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Calories 94.9 kcal
Protein 6g
Rating Be the first
Hungarian Lecso 104

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Hungarian Lecso

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How to Make Hungarian Lecso

  1. Finely chop 1 medium onion. In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes, until softened.
  2. Add 1 cup of water to the pan, stir well, cover, and increase the heat to high.
  3. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the water begins to reduce.
  4. Add 2 large bell peppers (any color), chopped, and 1-2 hot peppers (e.g., jalapeño, serrano), finely minced, to taste. Lower the heat to medium.
  5. Continue to cook, covered, stirring often, for 5-7 minutes, until the peppers start to soften.
  6. Add 28 ounces (1 large can or approximately 4 cups) of crushed tomatoes, salt to taste, and mix well. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the onions and peppers are very tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or a pinch of sugar if needed. Serve hot as a sauce for pasta, rice, fish, or as a base for soups and stews. A dollop of sour cream is a delicious addition!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

0 g

Sugar

41g

Fat

1g

Carbs

6g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Hungarian Lecso?

Hungarian Lecso takes about 40 minutes from start to finish — roughly 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Hungarian Lecso?

Hungarian Lecso has approximately 94.9 calories per serving, with about 6 g protein, 6 g carbohydrates and 1 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Hungarian Lecso?

The key ingredients for Hungarian Lecso are Yellow Onions, Vegetable Oil, Water, Green Bell Peppers, Hot Peppers, Fresh Tomatoes. See the full list with measurements above.

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