vegetables

vegetarian

sautéed

everyday

main course

creamy

Hungarian

summer

Hot

recipe photorecipe photo

Dill Zucchini Stew (Tökfőzelék)

Difficulty

easy

Time

45m

Price Category

cheap

Calories

Low

Tökfőzelék, a beloved Hungarian classic, is an essential part of summer cuisine. This creamy, slightly tangy, and refreshing stew is a perfect choice for a light lunch or dinner. Fresh dill and sour cream give it its distinctive flavor, making it a childhood favorite for many. It's simple to prepare, yet hearty and incredibly delicious, guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone's face.

ingredients

4 Servings

Steps

1

Prepare Zucchini

Peel the zucchini, cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, then grate it into thin strips or coarsely. Lightly salt it and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to release its water. Then, thoroughly squeeze out any excess liquid.

2

Prepare Base

In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the squeezed zucchini, pepper, and pour in the water or broth. Cover and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes, until the zucchini softens.

3

Make Roux and Thicken

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the flour with the sour cream until smooth. Once the zucchini is tender, remove the pot from the heat. Ladle out one or two tablespoons of hot cooking liquid into the sour cream mixture, stir quickly, then pour the entire mixture back into the pot, stirring constantly. This tempering prevents the sour cream from curdling.

4

Season and Serve

Return the pot to the heat and, stirring constantly, bring it to a boil over low heat until it thickens. Add the chopped fresh dill and vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. Serve hot.

Extra Tips

For an even creamier texture, use higher-fat sour cream or add a splash of heavy cream.

Tökfőzelék often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld, so consider making a larger batch.

Garnish with extra fresh dill before serving, and pair it with meatballs, stew, or a fried egg.

Nutrition

Per 100gPer Serving
300g / 10.5 oz
Calories85 kcal255 kcal
Protein3g9g
Fat5g15g
Carbohydrate7g21g
Fiber1g3g
Sugar3g9g