Lencsefőzelék is a tasty Hungarian lentil stew that you can eat at any time of the year. But it is also a very traditional meal for New Year’s Day. There are many New Year traditions in Hungary. But eating some form of lentils on New Year’s Day in Hungary is very popular.
Hungarian Lentil Stew – Good Luck on a Spoon
Lentils symbolise wealth and superstition has it that by eating lentils on New Year’s Day, the year will be one full of fortune. Whether this is true or not remains to be seen. But I ate two bowl fulls of lencsefőzelék today just in case!
Eat lentils, and you’ll have coins in your pocket all year.
More likely is that after the Christmas excesses, and a late night seeing in the New Year, no-one wants to spend time in the kitchen. And let’s be honest, it’s just time for something healthy to start your New Year’s health kick that also won’t break the bank.
But there’s another reason: lentils are easy to store, grow fast, and are full of nutrients. So, even in the hardest winters, families could make a warm, filling meal. That’s why lentils became a symbol of hope and security.
This Hungarian lentil soup recipe is a straightforward dish and you can prepare it quickly with left over bits and bobs you probably still have in the fridge after Christmas. If you made stock from your Christmas turkey or chicken, this is a great way to use it.
I like to add the meat from a smoked pork knuckle. I like the smokey flavour on a winter’s day. But also because Hungarians consider pork to be a lucky food to eat on New Year’s Day in Hungary. Who wouldn’t want to combine wealth and luck on one plate!
A Quick Look at Lencsefőzelék
Lencsefőzelék is a delicious Hungarian lentil stew that is often served with a slice of smoked sausage or a boiled egg. Sometimes it comes with a drizzle of vinegar or a spoon of sour cream.
Unlike soups, főzelék dishes are somewhere between a stew and a vegetable mash. Hungary has many versions: tökfőzelék (made with zucchini), babfőzelék (beans), and of course, this lencsefőzelék.
To make the base just cook green or brown lentils in some stock with some basic root vegetables. I like to use turkey stock made from the Christmas turkey. But chicken stock or vegetable stock both work well. Add some sweet Hungarian paprika, and season and you’re almost there.
What Not to Eat on New Year’s Day in Hungary
As mentioned earlier, food superstitions run strong in Hungary.
Here’s what’s you should avoid:
- Chicken or poultry – they scratch backward, and that’s considered unlucky.
- Fish – your luck might swim away.
- Rabbit – they are too timid, not bold enough for a strong year.
Instead, stick with lentils to start the year right.
When Do People Eat It?
Most families eat their lentil dish on January 1st—either for lunch or dinner. Some prepare it the night before to let flavors deepen overnight.
You will also find lentil stew or soup served with freshly baked bread, pickles, or even a glass of sparkling wine.
Some say the first bite of the year should be a spoonful of lentils. Others say it’s okay as long as you eat it sometime that day.
Either way, timing matters. Eat it on New Year’s Day, not before or after. That’s when the luck works.
Is Lentil Soup for New Year Just a Hungarian Thing?
Not really!
Other cultures have similar customs:
- In Italy, lentils are eaten with cotechino sausage.
- In the American South, black-eyed peas take the place of lentils.
- In Brazil, lentils are eaten at midnight on New Year’s Eve.
Still, Hungary keeps this tradition strong, especially with dishes like lencsefőzelék and lencseleves.
Make Your New Year a Lucky Year
Hungarian lentil dishes on New Year’s are more than tasty. They carry meaning, family tradition, and hope for better times. It’s fun to keep this little Hungarian tradition alive. But it’s also a great reason to have a healthy and cheap meal after the festive excess.
So next January 1st, grab a spoon and eat your luck.
🇭🇺 Jó étvágyat! and Happy New Year!
Also Read
Looking for more classic Hungarian dishes? If so, you might be interested in these posts:
- Csikóstokány – Hungarian Cowboy Stew with pork and sour cream.
- Töltött Paprika – Hungarian stuffed peppers
- Cold Sour Cherry Soup (Hideg Meggyleves) – a refreshing Hungarian cold fruit soup
- Hungarian Food – the Ultimate Guide
Or take a look at my full collection of Hungarian recipes for more Hungarian flavours.
Lencsefőzelék – New Year’s Lentil Stew
Equipment
- Chef Knife
- Large pot
Ingredients
- 500 grams green lentils soaked overnight
- 2 tbsp pork dripping or other fat
- 2 medium onions finely chopped
- 1 large carrot cut into slices
- 1 stick of celery finely chopped
- 1 parsnip cut into slices
- 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika
- 1.5 litres chicken stock or turkey stock (vegetable stock or water)
- 450 grams smoked pork knuckle meat cooked
- Ground black pepper
- 2 tbsps parsley chopped
Instructions
- Melt the pork dripping in a pan over a medium heat and then add the onions. Fry until soft and translucent. Then add the other vegetables and fry over a low heat for about 8 minutes, or until soft.
- Add the tomato paste and stir through for about a minute, then stir in the paprika, and immediately add the lentils and the chicken stock and stir well and bring to a boil.
- Add the smoked pork knuckle meat and reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until the lentils are soft.
- Stir through the parsley and serve with some crusty bread.
