Green Bean Stew evokes the flavors of a summer day and is one of the most beloved traditional dishes of Hungarian cuisine. Green beans were first brought to Europe in the 16th century and became particularly popular in Hungary during the summer months. Legend has it that the first green bean stew was made by the wife of a rural farmer who wanted to prepare the fresh green beans from their garden in a simple but nutritious way. The version of the dish made with sour cream and garlic has since become a staple in Hungarian households. To make the perfect green bean stew, it is best to use fresh green beans, but it can also be made with frozen ones. For the roux, it is worth using sour cream and a little flour to get a creamy but light texture. Season with garlic and a pinch of paprika to make the stew truly distinctive. When cooking, be careful to keep the green beans crisp and not overcook them! This dish is an excellent choice for a light lunch or dinner, but served with meatballs or fried sausages it can be a truly hearty dish. If you want to give the dish a modern twist, try it with coconut milk and lemon juice, which results in a lighter but unique version. Green Bean Stew is a traditional and versatile dish that never goes out of style.
Trim the green beans and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
Sauté the chopped onion in oil until softened. Add the crushed garlic and Hungarian sweet paprika, stirring briefly until fragrant.
Pour in the water, add the green beans, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the green beans are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth. Gradually pour the mixture into the stew, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the sour cream and chopped fresh dill. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Season with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving. Serve hot.
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