You’d be surprised what delicacies the first Hungarians in the Carpathian Basin enjoyed

Ever wondered what the first Hungarians actually ate when they settled in the Carpathian Basin? Was paprika already on the menu, or did King Stephen feast on something entirely different? Let’s take a mouth-watering journey back in time to uncover the surprising delicacies of the first Hungarians.

Before paprika

When imagining Hungarian cuisine, many immediately think of paprika-spiced dishes, hearty stews, and lecsó. However, as Promotions points out, these staples were completely unknown to the first Hungarians who settled in the Carpathian Basin during the period of the honfoglalás. Ingredients such as paprika, tomatoes, and potatoes had not yet reached Europe, meaning that early Hungarian meals were crafted from entirely different local produce.

The first Hungarians relied heavily on onions, cabbages, beetroot, radishes, wild mushrooms, and forest berries, seasoning their meals with indigenous herbs like tarragon, mint, and ramsons. Their cuisine was deeply connected to nature’s cycles, using what could be hunted, gathered, or grown, creating simple yet nourishing dishes without the complex spices we now associate with Hungarian cooking.

The first Hungarian stew

Among the traditional dishes of the first Hungarians, one in particular stands out: áldos, a forerunner to today’s stew. This festive dish was often prepared using meat from sacrificial animals, slowly cooked with a medley of vegetables and seasoned with herbs rather than the fiery spices we expect today. Peppers had not yet made their way into Hungarian kitchens, so flavour was drawn from natural herbs and the meat itself. Cooked in cauldrons over open fires, the blessed offered a succulent and aromatic meal, often served with flatbreads to soak up the rich juices. It is easy to imagine the feasts held by tribal leaders, where such hearty dishes were central to celebrations.

The everyday diet

The everyday diet of the first Hungarians was also surprisingly varied, as Pénzcentrum notes. While pork, beef, and game such as wild boar and deer were dietary staples, they were often preserved by smoking or drying to last through the harsher seasons. Cereal crops like barley, millet, and wheat were cultivated, and porridge or flatbreads formed a major part of their meals. Dairy products such as cottage cheese, sour cream, and a fermented milk drink known as tarhó were integral to the diet, long before they gained wider popularity in Europe. Fruits like apples, pears, and wild berries, along with fermented vegetables, provided valuable nutrients, and honey, a luxury item even then, sweetened their occasional desserts.

What did King Stephen eat?

As Hungary transitioned from a semi-nomadic society to a Christian kingdom under King Stephen, many ancient culinary practices persisted. However, the luxury cuisine of the aristocracy, such as that enjoyed by Stephen himself, featured the finest meats, fresh fruits, and delicate honey-sweetened treats.

The influence of neighbouring cultures and the gradual adoption of new ingredients would, over the centuries, radically transform Hungarian gastronomy. Yet, the honest, earthy flavours cherished by the first Hungarians during the honfoglalás era remain a fascinating testament to their resourcefulness and deep connection to the land.

Read more about Hungarian history HERE.

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Featured image: depositphotos.com