Lecho

Lecho is a vibrant and hearty Eastern European dish that celebrates the flavors of summer with its medley of colorful bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic spices. This one-pot recipe combines perfectly sautéed onions, garlic, and smoky sausage with the natural sweetness of red and yellow bell peppers, all simmered together to create a rich, comforting stew. Enhanced with sweet paprika and a touch of sugar for balanced flavor, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious—serve it as a satisfying main alongside crusty bread or as a flavorful side dish with roasted meats or rice. Ready in under an hour, this easy-to-make lecho brings rustic charm and bold flavor to your table, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 pieces red bell peppers
• 3 pieces yellow bell peppers
• 4 large fresh tomatoes
• 1 large onion
• 3 pieces garlic cloves
• 250 grams smoked sausage
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 100 milliliters water

Directions

Step 1

Wash and deseed the bell peppers, then cut them into thin strips.

Step 2

Dice the tomatoes into medium-sized chunks.

Step 3

Peel and slice the onion into thin rings.

Step 4

Mince the garlic cloves.

Step 5

Slice the smoked sausage into rounds about 1/4-inch thick.

Step 6

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.

Step 7

Add the onions and garlic to the heated oil, and sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 8

Stir in the smoked sausage slices, and cook for another 5 minutes until they start to brown slightly.

Step 9

Add the bell pepper strips and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 10

Sprinkle the sweet paprika powder over the mixture and stir well to coat the vegetables and sausage.

Step 11

Add the diced tomatoes to the pot, followed by salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir everything together.

Step 12

Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 13

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the lecho cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 14

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Step 15

Serve hot as a standalone dish with crusty bread, or as a side dish to complement roasted meats or rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2103.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1478.8

Total Fat 95.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 27.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 175mg	0%
Sodium 5177.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 115.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.5g	0%
Total Sugars 67.8g
Protein 53.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 274.9mg	0%
Iron 11.6mg	0%
Potassium 4362.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.9%

Protein: 14.0%

Carbs: 30.1%