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As a Hungarian, being brought up on traditional Hungarian cuisine, that is let’s face it, VERY heavy in meat. Since I became a vegetarian nearly 20 years ago (oh my gosh, that is a big number), I realised, that retrospectively speaking, I never enjoyed meat. I ate most things my mum, grandmother and the school canteen ladies cooked but because I never really enjoyed my food plus I am genetically quite slim…. well I was skinny all my teens. Later though, in my later teens I started to enjoy a lot of other things and when in college I tried all sorts of different cuisines – I realised I am a foodie actually. I started to cook in my twenties and I found true joy in cooking. When I moved to Ibiza and really deepened my connection with Hatha yoga, I decided vegetarianism is the way forward for me. So I’ve been a vegetarian since and probably half of my diet is vegan. This is why I share recipes on the blog, because I want others to try all these fantastic, meat free dishes, so at least a couple of meals can be swapped for meat free. It’s good for you, good for the planet and your wallet too!
So in this blog post, I’m going to share the vegetarian dishes of my Hungarian heritage I love now and prepare myself on a regular basis.
Hungarian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and hearty dishes. While traditional Hungarian fare often revolves around meat, like I mentioned, there are plenty of vegetarian options that aren’t, or with a little twist, it can be easily prepared the vegetarian way.
1 Gulyás (Vegetarian Goulash)
Gulyás, or goulash, is a staple in Hungarian homes. This hearty dish is typically made with beef, but the vegetarian version uses chunks of vegetables such as potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers, and plenty of paprika. The fragrant broth is a comforting meal especially enjoyed during cold weather.
2 Lencsefőzelék (Lentil Stew)
Lencsefőzelék is a simple yet satisfying lentil stew that’s often enjoyed with a side of bread. Cooked with onions, garlic, and spices, this dish highlights the earthy taste of lentils and is a great source of protein.
3 Töltött Káposzta (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)
These savory cabbage rolls are generally prepared with meat, but they can easily be made vegetarian by stuffing them with a mixture of rice, mushrooms, and spices. The main ingredient, however, is sour cabbage. The rolls are then slow-cooked in a tangy tomato sauce for a deliciously flavorful dish.
4 Hortobágyi palacsinta (Savory Crepes)
This Hungarian dish features thin crepes (palacsinta in Hungarian) filled with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, vegetables, and spices, then rolled up and baked with a creamy sauce on top. Now, of course originally, these are also prepared with meat. It’s a delightful dish that makes for a satisfying meal (depending on the amount you eat) or a fancy appetizer.
5 Pörkölt (Vegetarian Stew)
Pörkölt is another traditional Hungarian stew that is commonly made with meats like beef or pork. However, the vegetarian version substitutes tofu or seitan, cooked with an array of hearty vegetables and seasoned generously with paprika for that signature flavor. Alternatively, mushrooms are also great to make a good paprika stew, like mushroom Stroganoff.
6 Ratatouille
While not exclusively Hungarian, this vegetable medley finds its place in Hungarian homes. With ingredients like eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, it’s a colorful and healthy dish that pairs well with crusty bread or rice.
7 Káposztás Tészta (Cabbage Noodles)
This is a comforting dish made with egg noodles and sautéed cabbage. Seasoned with pepper and sometimes topped with fresh breadcrumbs, Káposztás Tészta is a nostalgic meal for many Hungarians, and it’s both quick to prepare and full of flavor.
8 Zöldbableves (Green Bean Soup)
Zöldbableves is a soothing green bean soup that is typically simmered with potatoes, carrots, and spices. This delightful soup is light yet filling, making it perfect for any meal of the day.
9 Langos
A street food favourite. A deep-fried flatbread typically made from simple dough ingredients like flour, water, and yeast. The version most widely recognized is topped with sour cream and grated cheese, but various toppings can include garlic or ham.
10 Jókai Bableves (Jókai Bean Soup)
Originally a bean soup made with smoked meat, the vegetarian version uses a variety of beans, mushrooms, and spices to recreate a smoky and rich flavor profile. It’s hearty and comforting, perfect for chilly days. You just need to leave the meat out, simples.
11 Rakott Krumpli (Layered Potatoes)
One of my favourites from my childhood! Rakott Krumpli is often considered a comfort food in Hungary. This layered dish features slices of potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy sauce, all baked until golden. The vegetarian option skips the meat, focusing on richness from the sauce and eggs.
12 Főzelék (Vegetable Stew)
Funnily enough, I never like this as a child. Now, though, I love them. Well, most of them anyway. Főzelék is a versatile dish that can be made with almost any vegetable. The basic concept involves stewing vegetables in a thick sauce, often flavored with spices and served with a dollop of sour cream. Popular variations include potato, spinach, and carrot főzelék. Imagine the texture of an Indian dahl, it’s similar to that.
13 Túrós Csusza (Noodles with Quark Cheese)
Another firm favourite. This dish consists of pasta tossed with a delicious mixture of quark cheese (it’s firm and dry so not like cottage cheese), sour cream, and crispy bacon or sausage. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat or replace it with fried onions, ensuring a rich and savory experience.
14 Szilvás and Turos Gombóc (Plum and Quark Dumplings)
These sweet dumplings are made from a soft potato dough wrapped around a juicy plum, and then boiled and rolled in breadcrumbs. In case of the quark dumplings, the quark is worked into the dumpling dough and served with sugared sour cream.
15 Liptauer Cheese Spread
My mum makes the best! A creamy cheese spread made with quark cheese (yes, Hungarians use that a LOT), goats cheese, onion, butter, paprika, and a variety of herbs, Liptauer is often served with fresh bread or crackers. This savory dip is perfect for gatherings or as an everyday snack.
Plus One That Every Non-Hungarian Think is Weird: Fruit Soup!
Hungarian fruit soup, known as “gyümölcsleves,” is a refreshing and unique dish. This cold soup is typically made with a combination of fresh seasonal fruits such as cherries, plums, or apples, and is often enhanced with sugar and a hint of lemon or cinnamon for added flavor. Traditionally served chilled, it can be enjoyed as a refreshing starter, even though it’s sweet! It’s weird, I know!