Lecho - Bell Pepper, Tomato and Onion Stew
Lecho is a vibrant Hungarian-inspired stew featuring bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, zucchini, and smoky sausage. It’s flavorful, comforting, and versatile, perfect as a main dish or side.
Servings
Ingredients
- 1 large Spanish onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
- 6 Roma tomatoes quartered
- 2 banana peppers cut into square pieces
- 1 green bell pepper cut into square pieces
- 1 zucchini cut into square pieces
- 1 cup smoked sausage optional, sliced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Aromatics
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
Add the Tomato Base and Sausage
- Incorporate the tomato paste into the pot, stirring well to combine. Add the smoked sausage, if using, and cook for 5 minutes to allow the sausage to release its flavor and blend with the tomato base.
Incorporate the Vegetables
- Add the banana peppers, green bell pepper, zucchini, and quartered Roma tomatoes to the pot. Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle with sweet and smoked paprika. Stir to evenly coat the vegetables in the sauce and spices.
Simmer the Stew
- Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow the stew to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The vegetables should become tender while still retaining a slight crunch.
Final Seasoning
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Stir gently to combine.
Serve the Dish
- Serve the Lecho hot with a side of crusty bread or over steamed rice. The bread or rice will soak up the flavorful sauce, enhancing every bite.
Notes
Lecho is naturally gluten-free. However, if adding sausage, ensure it is labeled gluten-free. Additionally, verify that the tomato sauce and tomato paste do not contain any gluten additives or cross-contamination.