There's something truly magical about the aroma of paprika-infused dishes simmering on the stove. In this post, we're excited to share our beloved Turkey Paprikash recipe, a delightful medley of tender turkey, onions, and rich paprika flavour that's sure to become a family favourite.
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History of Paprikash
Paprikash recipes have a rich history deeply intertwined with the cultural heritage of Hungary and the broader region of Eastern Europe. Here's a brief history of paprikash recipes:
- Paprika's Arrival in Europe: The key ingredient in paprikash, paprika, was not originally native to Europe. Explorers returning from the New World introduced paprika to Hungary in the 16th century. Paprika peppers thrived in the Hungarian climate, and they soon became a staple in Hungarian cuisine.
- The Emergence of Paprikash: While cooks had used paprika in various dishes for centuries, the specific dish known as "paprikash" began taking shape in the 18th and 19th centuries. It likely evolved from traditional Hungarian stews and goulash.
- Regional Variations: Paprikash recipes are not limited to Hungary alone. Throughout Eastern Europe, especially in countries like Serbia, Croatia, and Romania, variations of paprikash emerged, each with its own unique twists and ingredients. These regional adaptations contributed to the diversity of paprikash dishes.
- The Role of Paprika: The defining characteristic of paprikash is its heavy reliance on paprika for flavor and color. The paprika used in the dish can range from sweet and mild to hot and spicy, allowing for a range of flavor profiles to suit different tastes.
- Paprikash as Comfort Food: Paprikash quickly gained popularity as a hearty, comfort food dish. Its combination of tender meats (often chicken or pork) and a rich, creamy sauce made it a favorite for family gatherings and special occasions.
Recent History
- Cultural Significance: Paprikash recipes hold cultural significance in Hungary and other Eastern European countries. Paprikash often graces holiday feasts and celebrations, symbolizing the warmth and togetherness of family and community.
- Spread Beyond Europe: Over time, paprikash recipes made their way to other parts of the world through immigration and cultural exchange. Today, you can find variations of paprikash in Hungarian restaurants worldwide, and it has even become a beloved dish in American and international cuisine.
- Continued Evolution: Paprikash recipes continue to evolve, like this recipe, adapting to modern tastes and dietary preferences. Vegetarian and vegan versions of paprikash have gained popularity, using ingredients like tofu or mushrooms as meat substitutes, like in my Hungarian mushrooms paprikash.
In conclusion, paprikash recipes have a long and storied history, originating in Hungary and spreading throughout Eastern Europe and beyond. This flavourful and comforting dish has captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world, making it a beloved and enduring part of culinary traditions.
Ingredients
I have simplified this paprikash recipe a lot, so that I will only use two main ingredients, namely 500 g diced turkey breast and two medium-sized onions. If you want, of course you can add some garlic or bell pepper, but this time I will make it simple.
The rest are spices with which we will season the dish, namely:
- 1.5 teaspoon sea salt;
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper;
- 1.5 teaspoon Hungarian mild paprika powder;
- 1 teaspoon paprika paste;
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste;
- 1 teaspoon onion powder;
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram.
I will thicken the sauce with the mixture of 2 tablespoon of corn flour with 150 ml of double cream.
How to Make Turkey Paprikash Recipe
Preparing the Ingredients
Because we only have two main ingredients—turkey meat and onions—preparing them doesn't require much time. If you have a whole turkey breast, cut it into cubes that aren't too big but are of equal size. Try to chop the onion as finely as possible.
Start to Cook
In a large pan, heat three tablespoons of sunflower oil or other vegetable oil. Fry the chopped onion over medium heat, adding half a teaspoon of sea salt. Sauté for three to four minutes, stirring constantly, until the onion softens without browning.
Add the turkey meat and fry it over medium heat, stirring with the onions until it turns slightly white in colour.
Season the dish by adding the remaining sea salt, ground pepper, paprika, onion powder, marjoram, tomato paste, and pepper paste.
Mix well and let the spices infuse the meat, releasing their aromas. You'll see how delicious the dish becomes.
Add enough water to cover the meat (I put about 750 ml) and let it simmer on medium-low heat for about half an hour.
Finishing the Paprikash
To further thicken the sauce, I'll mix corn starch with cream and add it to the pan. After five minutes of simmering, you'll have a thick, creamy, and exceptionally flavourful sauce.
Turn off the heat and add half a bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped, which will give both color and taste to the sauce.
I've just finished preparing this dish—my turkey paprikash recipe. You can now serve this simple and delicious recipe.
F.A.Q.
Here are the key ingredients typically used to make paprikash sauce:
-Paprika: The star of the show, paprika is a ground spice made from dried red peppers.
-Onions: Onions are usually sautéed in oil or butter until they become translucent, providing a savoury base for the sauce.
-Butter or Oil: Butter or vegetable oil is used to sauté the onions and sometimes other ingredients.
-Flour: Flour is often used to thicken the sauce and create a creamy consistency.
consistency.
-Sour Cream or Heavy Cream: To give the sauce its creamy and tangy characteristic, sour cream or heavy cream is added. Sour cream is more traditional in many recipes.
-Garlic: Some recipes may include minced garlic for added flavour.
If you have just cooked a batch of paprikash and want to store the leftovers, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Paprikash has become popular beyond Hungary and is enjoyed in other countries in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in regions with Hungarian cultural influences. Variations of the dish may exist in neighbouring countries, but the core of paprikash's culinary heritage remains firmly rooted in Hungary.
How to Serve the Turkey Paprikash
Turkey Paprikash is traditionally served over a bed of egg noodles, which soak up the delicious sauce and provide a nice contrast in texture. You can also serve it over steamed white rice if you prefer.
To enhance the visual appeal and flavour, garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chopped fresh dill. These herbs add a pop of colour and freshness to the dish.
Turkey paprikash has become one of our family's favourites, and I warmly recommend that you try it. You'll see that you won't regret it. Also, on our blog, you will find other similar recipes from Hungarian cuisine, such as:
- Hungarian Beef Paprikash,
- Creamy Chicken Stew Recipe,
- Creamy Pork Stew Recipe,
- Best Turkey Stew Recipe.
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Turkey Paprikash Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Frying Pan
Ingredients
- 500 g turkey breast meat diced
- 2 pcs onions medium size
- 3 tablespoon sunflower oil or vegetable oil
- 1.5 teaspoon sea salt kosher
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper freshly ground
- 1.5 teaspoon paprika Hungarian mild
- 1 teaspoon pepper paste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon marjoram dried
- 750 ml water
- 2 teaspoon corn starch
- 150 ml creme fresh or double cream
Instructions
- If you have a whole turkey breast, cut it into cubes that aren’t too big but are of equal size, and chop the onion as finely as possible.
- In a large pan, heat the sunflower oil and fry the chopped onion over medium heat. Add half a teaspoon of sea salt and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion softens without browning.
- Add the cubed turkey meat and fry it over medium heat, until it turns slightly white in color.
- Season the dish by adding the remaining sea salt, ground pepper, paprika, onion powder, marjoram, tomato paste, and pepper paste.
- Fill with water to cover the meat (I put about 750 ml) and let it simmer on medium-low heat for about half an hour.
- Mix the cornstarch with the cream and add it to the pan. Simmer for 5 minutes and add the chopped parsley.
- Serve with egg noodles, or steamed white rice if you prefer.
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