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Hungarian tomato and pepper stew

Time50 minutes
YieldsServes 4
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They tumble out of farmers market crates entwined in pairs like folk dancers, elongated necks extending from slender, bell-shaped pods. Hungarian peppers, ranging in color from soft butter yellows to radiant greens, are back for their annual summer fling.

Lighter and more delicate than bell peppers, Hungarian are on the sweet side, with none of the punch of a poblano. Cut them up one night to add a subtle crunch to summer salads, stuff them with a garden of sauteed vegetables the next. Lightly simmered in a fresh tomato stew or simply sliced and served raw, their bright flavor is versatile enough to work into a variety of favorite summer dishes.

Part of the Hungarian pepper’s charm is that with its less assertive taste and thinner flesh, it responds well to quick cooking on the grill. Quartered and grilled until crisp-tender, the palm-sized pods gain a smoky sweetness that gives definition to chicken salad that’s wonderful when made with Hungarian paprika and small riso or orzo (rice-sized pasta).

The salad components can be prepared ahead and assembled just before serving. When you’re ready to serve, fold several handfuls of torn romaine leaves and blanched green beans into grilled lemon-scented chicken. Serve with korozott, a Hungarian caraway-cream cheese spread, lightened in this recipe with cottage cheese. It ages beautifully over several weeks, lending its anise scent to morning bagels or late afternoon rye toasts -- spread and sprinkle with freshly diced peppers.

Use Hungarian peppers to bolster a summery version of lecso, a traditional stew brimming with peak-of-season tomatoes. Trade the classic sausages and potatoes for a small handful of diced, meaty Hungarian kolozsvari (bacon), or any good-quality, lightly smoked bacon to add complexity without too much heft.

Save the pan drippings to saute sweet onions, add the peppers and tomatoes (the juicier the better; if your tomatoes are too dry, add a few splashes of water), and cook until the paprika-laced sauce is simmering with peppery sweetness. Spoon it over a steaming bowl of rice, shower the lecso with chopped parsley, and pull out a crusty baguette to sop up the last few drops.

In Hungary, tolteni valo paprika (“peppers for stuffing”) earned their name from the meat fillings they’re so closely associated with -- but they’re even more seductive brimming with multicolored squash, sweet corn and earthy mushrooms.

Halve the peppers, being careful to leave the base and stems intact, and blanch until the peppers are tender but still hold their shape. Fill with lightly sauteed vegetables, sprinkle with fragrant basil and bread crumbs seasoned with dill, and bake until golden brown. Serve on a sea of fresh tomato basil sauce.

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1

In a large, heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced bacon and saute until crispy, 7 to 8 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

2

Add the onion to the pan and saute until the edges begin to brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the paprika and salt.

3

Add the tomatoes and pepper strips to the pan. Return to the stove top and cook over low heat until the tomatoes break down and the peppers are tender, stirring occasionally, 25 to 30 minutes. Add a little water if necessary to maintain a stew-like consistency.

4

Stir the bacon into the stew. Season to taste and serve, sprinkling the parsley over each serving.

From Donna Deane. Hungarian peppers are available at select farmers markets, supermarkets. Hungarian bacon (kolozsvari) is available at select markets. You can substitute a good-quality smoky bacon. Serve the stew over rice.