Porkolt Langos - History and Recipe

I can definitely help you with that! I’m ready to share my culinary expertise and guide you through the history and preparation of Porkolt Langos.

Let’s start with the history. Langos, a deep-fried flatbread, is a beloved Hungarian street food. Its name comes from the Hungarian word “láng,” meaning flame or fire, a nod to its deep-frying method. The origins of Langos are ancient, dating back to the time when people used leftover dough from breadmaking. These small dough clumps were deep-fried, creating the first Langos.

Now, let’s talk about Porkolt, a rich and flavorful Hungarian stew. It’s typically made with beef, pork, or chicken, and often includes vegetables like onions, peppers, and paprika. The key ingredient is paprika, which gives the stew its signature red color and smoky flavor.

Porkolt Langos is a delicious combination of these two Hungarian staples. The Langos provides a crispy, doughy base, while the Porkolt adds a hearty and flavorful topping.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing Porkolt Langos:

Ingredients:

  • For the Langos:

    • 1 cup warm water
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • 1 packet active dry yeast
    • 3 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • Vegetable oil for deep frying
  • For the Porkolt:

    • 1 pound beef, pork, or chicken, cut into cubes
    • 1 large onion, chopped
    • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
    • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
    • 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 cup beef broth

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Langos Dough:
* In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes, until the yeast is foamy.
* Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
* Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
* Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Porkolt:
* In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
* Add the meat and cook until browned on all sides.
* Add the onion, green pepper, and red pepper to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Stir in the paprika, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
* Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the meat is tender.

3. Fry the Langos:
* Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle, about 6 inches in diameter.
* Carefully lower the Langos into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
* Remove the Langos from the oil and drain on paper towels.

4. Assemble the Porkolt Langos:
* Top each Langos with a generous portion of Porkolt.
* Serve immediately.

Enjoy your delicious and authentic Porkolt Langos!