Harcsapaprikás Recipe – Hungarian Special
Harcsapaprikás, or Hungarian Catfish Paprikash, is a soul-warming dish that perfectly showcases the depth of Hungarian cuisine. This traditional Hungarian recipe features tender catfish simmered in a rich paprika sauce enriched with sour cream, creating a velvety creamy fish stew that bursts with authentic Hungarian flavors. Served with nokedli or crusty bread, it’s a comforting meal that brings the essence of Hungary to your table.
- Prep Time15 min
- Cook Time35 min
- Total Time50 min
Harcsapaprikás Ingredients:
- 800 g (1.75 lbs) catfish fillets, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or lard
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 ½ tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
- 1 tsp hot paprika (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp flour (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Harcsapaprikás Instructions:
Heat oil or lard in a large pan over medium heat.
Add onions and sauté until soft and golden.
Stir in paprika (remove from heat briefly to avoid burning).
Add chopped tomatoes and bell pepper; cook until softened.
Season with salt and pepper, then add catfish pieces.
Cover and simmer gently for 15–20 minutes until fish is tender.
In a small bowl, mix sour cream with flour; temper with a little hot sauce from the pan.
Stir the sour cream mixture into the pan and heat gently (do not boil).
Adjust seasoning and garnish with chopped parsley.
Serve hot with nokedli, rice, or crusty bread.
Recipe Notes :
Cooking Tips: Always remove the pan from heat before adding paprika to prevent bitterness.
Serving Suggestions: Pair with nokedli, boiled potatoes, or rustic bread to soak up the sauce.
Hungarian Comfort Food: This catfish paprikash is a beloved home-style meal found across Hungary.
Paprika-Rich Dishes: For authentic taste, use high-quality Hungarian sweet paprika.
Regional Specialty: Harcsapaprikás is especially popular along the rivers where fresh catfish is abundant.
