Glorifying the “Good Parts”
As you guys have learned, Hungary has a lot of complicated history. Some of the ways that Hungary has dealt with this is to lean into parts that are remembered as “good.” During national holidays, historical reenactments will focus on 15th and 16th century Hungary, specifically the Hussars, which were Hungarian cavalry units that were renowned around Europe for their speed and effectivity. What parts of Hungarian history do you think are worth glorifying? Do you think any parts of history should be glorified?
3. Paprika and Coffee
Hungary is probably best known for one thing: paprika. It is one of Hungary’s biggest exports and is renowned for being the best paprika. Paprika is Hungary’s most famous souvenir, and they have kinds for everyone: mild, sweet and spicy (which is actually VERY spicy!). Paprika came to Hungary during the Ottoman Empire occupation, where peppers were brought over, and farmers discovered that they grew very well in the warmer areas of southern Hungary. The pepper plants flourished, and several new kinds of peppers were cultivated here! At first, the bright red and yellow peppers were dried and used to decorate the palaces and homes of the rich, but they slowly started to be used in Hungarian cooking as time went on. Because the peppers were so widely available in Hungary, paprika was a very cheap spice, and peasants used it to flavor their dishes. Peppers and paprika became a staple of Hungarian cooking and is still a core element of traditional Hungarian dishes, such as paprikás csirke, or chicken paprikas, which is chicken stewed with peppers and paprika and served with rice or noodles.
