A favorite dish in Hungary, Töltött Paprika is simple, homey, and full of flavor. While the idea of stuffing vegetables originated with the Turks, Hungarians proudly made it their own during the 16th and 17th centuries, after years under Ottoman rule. Since then, it’s become a beloved staple of Hungarian home cooking.

For this dish, Hungarians use long, sweet yellow peppers—known locally as “tölteni való paprika” (literally, “peppers for stuffing”), or simply TV paprika. These are similar to banana peppers and are perfect for holding the hearty filling of ground pork, rice, egg, paprika powder, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper.

The peppers are gently simmered in a light, slightly sweet tomato sauce, made with a touch of sugar to balance the acidity. The result is a cozy, flavorful dish that’s typically served with a side of fresh bread or boiled potatoes.

Töltött Paprika is a true taste of Hungarian tradition—humble ingredients, comforting flavors, and a recipe passed down through generations.