Hungarian Paprika Soup Recipe – Hungarian Special
Hungarian Paprika Soup is a hearty and aromatic dish that showcases the signature sweet paprika of Hungarian cuisine alongside tender vegetables like potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, and tomato. This vegetable soup can be made meat-free or enriched with chunks of sausage or beef for extra depth. It balances spice and sweetness, delivering a warming comfort meal ideal for chilly evenings. Topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of parsley, it brings a taste of rustic Hungary to your kitchen.
- 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 Quality: Use high-quality sweet Hungarian paprika for authentic flavor; smoked paprika adds depth if desired.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage or beef — the soup remains flavorful and satisfying with just vegetables and broth.
Meat Addition: If using sausage or beef, add it near the end to heat through without overcooking.
Texture Adjustment: For creamy texture, blend part of the soup; for chunkier feel leave vegetables whole.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve flavor and texture.
