Hungarian Lentils Recipes

HUNGARIAN LENTILS

Steps:

• soak lentils in cold water for 8 hours.
• drain and rinse well.
• transfer to a wide pot.
• add stock, salt, bay leaves.
• bring to a boil reduce heat to low, simmer partially covered for 10 minutes.
• cook onions and garlic in duck fat in a separate skillet, 5 minutes.
• add flour and whisk to form a roux.
• add paprika, and stir the roux into lentils.
• simmer uncovered, stirring often.
• add remaining ingredients, season with salt and pepper.
• remove bay leaves, serve.

HUNGARIAN LENTIL STEW

Steps:

• If desired, soak lentils overnight. This step may be skipped but it makes the lentils more digestible.
• Place a large (5-6 quart) saucepan over medium-low heat, add oil and onions and saute onions until tender, about 2 minutes.
• Add garlic and paprika, and saute about another minute.
• Add lentils, 7 cups of water and bay leaves. Increase heat to a boil, then reduce heat to low. cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender, about 50 minutes. Add water as needed if mixture seems too thick.
• In a small bowl combine sour cream (not low fat), flour and milk. When lentils are tender add this mixture to the pot. Simmer 2-3 minutes. Add salt, brown sugar, mustard and lemon juice.

HUNGARIAN LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• In a large stockpot, saute the onions in oil until they are glossy. Stir in garlic, paprika, celery, carrots, and saute for 10 minutes.
• Once the vegetables have sauteed for 10 minutes stir in tomatoes, chicken stock, lentils, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir well, then add the wine and bring the mixture to a boil. Slowly reduce the heat and cook for 1 hour on low to medium heat; or until the lentils are tender.
• Sprinkle the soup with parsley and Parmesan (optional) before serving.

HUNGARIAN LENTIL STEW

Steps:

• If desired, place lentils in a bowl with water to cover, and soak overnight; this step may be skipped, but makes lentils more digestible.
• Place a large (5- to 6-quart) saucepan over medium-low heat, and add oil and onion. Sauté until tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Add garlic and paprika, and sauté until garlic is fragrant, 1 minute more. Add lentils, 8 cups water and bay leaves. Increase heat to bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender, about 50 minutes; add water as needed if mixture seems too thick.
• When lentils are tender, in a small bowl stir together sour cream, flour and milk. Add to lentils and simmer 2 to 3 minutes. Add salt, brown sugar, mustard and lemon juice, adjusting amounts as needed for a slightly piquant flavor. If desired, remove and discard bay leaves. Serve hot.

HUNGARIAN LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• Make croutons: melt butter with olive oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add bread cubes and stir gently until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and set side.
• Melt 1 T. butter in heavy Dutch oven over mediium heat. Add ham and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 6 cups stock, lentils, chili, and savory. Cover and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender but firm to bire, stirring occasionall, about 30 minutes.
• Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, carrots and bell pepper. Stir until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 2 minutes. Stir mixture into soup. Add enough stock to cover.
• Wipe out skillet. Add 3 T. butter and melt over medium-low heat. Add flour and stir until light, about 6 minutes. Whisk in 2 cups stock. Bring to boil, whisking constantly. Add to soup. Stir in the tomato puree and 3 T. vinegar. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Thin soup to desired consistency with stock. Season with remaining 1 T. vinegar, salt and generous amount of pepper. Discard chili. Garnish soup with Sauteed Croutons and serve.