Hungarian Paprika Soup Recipe – Hungarian Special

Hungarian Paprika Soup is a bold and comforting dish that highlights the signature spice of Hungary—sweet, smoky paprika. This soup is rich in flavor and warmth, made with a savory blend of vegetables, broth, and often sausage or beef. It’s perfect for chilly days and brings a taste of Hungarian tradition to your table. Serve it with crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream for the ultimate cozy meal.

  • Prep Time15 min
  • Cook Time30 min
  • Total Time45 min

Hungarian Paprika Soup Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sweet Hungarian paprika
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
  • 1 medium potato, diced
  • 1 carrot, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 tomato, diced (or 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes)
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
  • 1/2 lb (225 g) cooked sausage or beef chunks (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Sour cream and chopped parsley (for garnish)

Sauté the Base:

1

In a large pot, heat oil or butter over medium heat.

2

Add onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

3

Stir in garlic and both paprikas. Cook for 1 minute to release the aroma.

Add Vegetables and Broth:

4

Add potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, and tomato. Stir well to coat in the paprika.

5

Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Add caraway seeds if using.

6

Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Add Protein (Optional):

7

Stir in cooked sausage or beef, if using. Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.

8

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

9

Ladle into bowls and top with a spoonful of sour cream and chopped parsley.

10

Serve hot with bread or a Hungarian csipetke (pinched noodles), if desired.

Recipe Notes :

Paprika Matters : Use high-quality sweet Hungarian paprika for authentic flavor.

Meat-Free Option : Skip the sausage for a vegetarian version—it’s still deeply flavorful.

Smoky Twist : A touch of smoked paprika adds complexity to the soup.

Texture Tip : Blend a portion of the soup for a creamier consistency.

Storage : Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.