Vietnamese-inspired Szpajza

Ingredients

In this Vietnamese-inspired version of Szpajza, we incorporate traditional Vietnamese ingredients and spices to give the dish a distinct flavor profile. The addition of lemongrass, star anise, and fish sauce adds a fragrant and savory element to the stew, while still maintaining the heartiness and comforting qualities of the original Hungarian dish. We alse have the original recipe for Szpajza, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 2 star anise 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cups (950ml) beef broth 4 cups (950ml) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 carrots, sliced 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 200g (7 oz) green beans, trimmed and halved 200g (7 oz) green beans, trimmed and halved
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 6g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the beef slices to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Stir in the lemongrass, star anise, and cinnamon stick, and cook for another minute to release their flavors.
4. 4.
   Pour in the beef broth and fish sauce, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Add the carrots, potatoes, bell pepper, and green beans to the pot. Simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Remove the lemongrass, star anise, and cinnamon stick from the pot before serving.
8. 8.
   Ladle the Vietnamese-inspired Szpajza into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Bruise the lemongrass stalks by lightly pounding them with a rolling pin or the back of a knife. This helps release their aromatic oils and flavors into the stew.
• Star anise — Use whole star anise pods for the best flavor. Remove them from the stew before serving, as they can be quite strong if bitten into.
• Fish sauce — Look for a high-quality fish sauce that is made from anchovies or other small fish. It adds a unique umami flavor to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a sliced chili pepper or a dash of chili flakes to the stew.
• Serve the Vietnamese-inspired Szpajza with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what's in season. Bok choy, mushrooms, or snap peas would all be great additions.
• Make a larger batch of the stew and freeze the leftovers for a quick and satisfying meal on a busy day.
• Experiment with different cuts of beef, such as stewing beef or beef shanks, for a richer and more tender result.

Serving advice

Serve the Vietnamese-inspired Szpajza hot in individual bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the stew. Enjoy it as a comforting and flavorful main course.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the Vietnamese-inspired Szpajza, arrange the sliced beef, colorful vegetables, and fragrant broth beautifully in each bowl. Sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top for a pop of green color. Serve with lime wedges on a separate plate for an inviting touch.