Hungarian Meat Pancakes (Hortobágyi Palacsinta)

Hortobágyi Palacsinta is a classic Hungarian savory dish made with thin pancakes filled with tender, paprika-seasoned meat, then covered in a rich sour cream and paprika sauce.

Despite the word palacsinta usually being associated with sweet Hungarian pancakes, this version is completely savory. It’s hearty, creamy, and perfect as a main course. 🇭🇺

Ingredients

For the Pancakes

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1½ cups milk
• ½ cup sparkling water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Extra oil for cooking

For the Meat Filling

• 1 lb (450 g) ground or finely chopped chicken, veal, pork, or beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
• 1½ tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
• 1 small tomato, chopped
• 1 small green pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup water or broth
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Paprika Sauce

• Cooking liquid from the meat
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ cup broth or water, as needed
• ½ teaspoon Hungarian paprika
• Salt, to taste