Paprika Mushrooms, or Gombapörkölt in Hungarian, are a flavorful vegetarian dish showcasing the classic Hungarian pairing of mushrooms and sweet paprika.
This creamy mushroom stew features sautéed mushrooms simmered with smoked bacon, onions, green pepper, and tomato, then finished with a rich sour cream sauce.
Perfect as a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy side dish, this traditional Hungarian recipe pairs beautifully with dumplings (galuska) or boiled potatoes.
Whether you’re exploring Hungarian vegetarian recipes or craving a creamy paprika dish, these paprika mushrooms deliver authentic flavor in every bite.
⦁ 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) fresh common mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
⦁ 2 onions, finely chopped
⦁ 200 ml (6¾ fl. oz) sour cream
⦁ 100 g (3½ oz) smoked bacon, diced
⦁ 1 green bell pepper, diced
⦁ 1 tomato, diced
⦁ 1 tbsp paprika
⦁ 1 tbsp flour
⦁ 1 tbsp water
⦁ Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
1. Wash mushrooms thoroughly and slice.
2. In a pan, cook diced bacon over medium heat (160–175°C / 320–350°F) until the fat renders. Add onions and sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in paprika and immediately pour in 1 tbsp water to prevent burning.
4. Add diced tomato and green pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, then add sliced mushrooms. Stir, cover, and cook on llow heat (90–95°C / 195–205°F) for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. In a small bowl, mix flour with sour cream until smooth. Slowly pour into the mushrooms while stirring, then simmer until the sauce thickens and mushrooms are tender.
🛒 Choosing Ingredients
✔ Fresh Mushrooms – Use white or cremini mushrooms; avoid canned, as they get mushy
✔ Sweet Paprika – Hungarian sweet paprika gives authentic flavor; smoked paprika adds depth if preferred
✔ Sour Cream – Use full-fat sour cream for the creamiest sauce
✔ Bacon – Traditional recipes include smoked bacon for savory richness; omit for a vegetarian version
👩🍳 Preparation Tips
✔ Sautéing Bacon & Onions – Cook over medium heat (160–175°C / 320–350°F) until bacon fat renders and onions turn translucent (about 5–6 minutes)
✔ Paprika Timing – Stir in paprika off the heat briefly, then add water immediately to avoid burning at high temps
✔ Simmering Mushrooms – After adding mushrooms, cover and cook over low heat (90–95°C / 195–205°F) so they release moisture and absorb flavors without turning rubbery
✔ Sour Cream Integration – Mix sour cream with flour at room temperature to prevent curdling; slowly stir into mushrooms while sauce is simmering at 90°C / 195°F for a smooth texture
🔥 Cooking Techniques & Temperatures
✔ Avoid Overheating Paprika – Paprika scorches easily; once added, cook for only 10–15 seconds before adding water or liquids
✔ Simmer Gently – Keep stew at a low simmer (90–95°C / 195–205°F) to thicken sauce without breaking the sour cream
✔ Total Cook Time – From start to finish, dish should take 20–25 minutes, ensuring mushrooms are tender and sauce is creamy
🍽 Serving & Customization
✔ Serve Hot – Enjoy immediately with Hungarian dumplings (galuska), boiled potatoes, or crusty bread
✔ Add Fresh Herbs – Sprinkle parsley or dill for extra brightness
✔ Optional Heat – Add a pinch of hot paprika or chili flakes for a spicier version
✔ Make Ahead – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently over low heat to preserve creamy texture