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:
In a large pot, heat oil or butter over medium heat.
Add onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in garlic and both paprikas. Cook for 1 minute to release the aroma.
Add Vegetables and Broth:
Add potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, and tomato. Stir well to coat in the paprika.
Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Add caraway seeds if using.
Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Add Protein (Optional):
Stir in cooked sausage or beef, if using. Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
Ladle into bowls and top with a spoonful of sour cream and chopped parsley.
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.