Töltötök

Töltötök is a traditional Hungarian dish that translates literally to "stuffed peppers." While the name implies peppers as the primary ingredient, the dish is versatile and can be made with various vegetables. The most common filling for töltötök is a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasonings, often including paprika, onion, and garlic. This filling is then carefully placed inside hollowed-out bell peppers, which are typically green, red, or yellow.

The preparation of töltötök involves several steps. First, the peppers are cleaned and their seeds and membranes removed. The meat and rice filling is then prepared, often by browning the meat with onions and then combining it with cooked or uncooked rice and spices. This mixture is then spooned into the prepared peppers. The stuffed peppers are usually simmered in a tomato-based sauce, which can also contain broth, paprika, and other aromatics. The cooking process allows the peppers to soften and the flavors to meld together.

Töltötök is a popular dish in Hungarian cuisine, often served as a main course. It can be enjoyed year-round but is particularly associated with cooler months. Variations exist, with some recipes using different types of meat, adding sour cream to the sauce, or incorporating other vegetables like tomatoes or mushrooms into the filling. The dish is appreciated for its comforting flavors and its ability to showcase seasonal produce.