Polish Leczo (Lecsó): Kiełbasa and Peppers Stew

Ingredients

• 2 medium onions (roughly 0.7 lb, 320 g in total), sweet or yellow
• 1 lb (450 g) kiełbasa sausage (in Poland, try 'wiejska' or 'śląska')
• 4 bell peppers (colours may vary)
• 2 tbsp lard, can sub with canola or olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 tsp salt
• black pepper, ground
• 2 tsp smoked paprika powder
• 1/2 tsp spicy paprika powder, or chili powder
• 2 lb (900 g) tomatoes, can sub with 17.6 oz (500ml) tomato purée passata
• 2 tbsp tomato concentrate/paste, optional

Instructions

1. 1

   Peel and dice the onions finely. Slice kie?basa...: Peel and dice the onions finely. Slice kie?basa into rounds. Set aside.

2. 2

   Dice four bell peppers, or slice them into...: Dice four bell peppers, or slice them into strips (I usually dice two of them and slice the other two into strips). Set aside.

3. 3

   Drop two tablespoons of lard into a deep...: Drop two tablespoons of lard into a deep skillet/frying pan (or a wide cooking pot), and melt it on a medium heat.

4. 4

   Add diced onions and sliced kie?basa sausage and...: Add diced onions and sliced kie?basa sausage and fry for 5-7 minutes, stirring from time to time.

5. 5

   Add in two garlic cloves, minced or crushed,...: Add in two garlic cloves, minced or crushed, and continue frying for another 3 minutes.

6. 6

   Add bell peppers and continue frying for yet...: Add bell peppers and continue frying for yet another 3 minutes.

7. 7

   Season with salt and a generous pinch of...: Season with salt and a generous pinch of ground black pepper. Add smoked paprika and chili powder. Stir together.

8. 8

   [using fresh tomatoes] Peel (optional) and dice tomatoes...: [using fresh tomatoes] Peel (optional) and dice tomatoes roughly, removing the seeds as you go. Add it into the pan. Alternatively, pour in the tomato passata.

9. 9

   Cover partially with a lid and cook for...: Cover partially with a lid and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the dish turns too thick, you can add some water or stock.

10. 10

    At the very end of cooking, add two...: At the very end of cooking, add two tablespoons of tomato concentrate and stir it in.

11. 11

    Serve hot with cooked rice or a slice...: Serve hot with cooked rice or a slice of bread.