Traditional Hungarian Mushroom Soup

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 8

If you're on the hunt for a cozy, soul-warming dish, this Traditional Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a treat that brings a taste of Eastern Europe to your table. The earthy flavors meld beautifully with rich spices, creating a soup that's both comforting and satisfying.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of earthy mushrooms and vibrant spices.
  • Easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients.
  • A delightful way to explore traditional Hungarian flavors.
  • Rich and creamy without being overly indulgent.

Ingredients

2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup chopped onions
1 lb assorted mushrooms, sliced
2 tsp dried dill weed
1 tbsp Hungarian paprika
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Ingredients Explained

Butter is the foundation of our flavor, providing a rich base for sautéing the onions and mushrooms. Onions add sweetness and depth, becoming soft and translucent as they cook. A mix of assorted mushrooms gives the soup its signature earthiness and hearty texture. Dill weed infuses a fresh, slightly tangy note, while Hungarian paprika delivers a warm, peppery kick. Soy sauce deepens the umami flavor, balancing out the spices. Chicken broth serves as the soup's savory backbone. Whole milk and flour are whisked together to thicken the soup, creating a luxuriously creamy texture. Sour cream adds a tangy richness, while a splash of lemon juice brightens everything up. Finally, parsley adds a touch of freshness, and salt and pepper bring all the flavors together.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra depth, try using a mix of different mushroom varieties like cremini, shiitake, and oyster.
  • To avoid lumps in your soup, make sure to whisk the milk and flour mixture thoroughly before adding it to the pot.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer until it reaches your desired consistency.

Detailed Instructions

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it's melted and sizzling, add the onions and sauté them until they turn soft and translucent. This should take about five minutes.

Next, toss in the mushrooms. Let them cook until they start to brown and release their juices. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and absorb all that lovely buttery flavor.

Sprinkle in the dill weed, paprika, and soy sauce, giving everything a good mix. You want the mushrooms to be well coated in the spices for maximum flavor.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth. Slowly add this mixture to the pot, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. You'll notice the soup starting to thicken nicely.

Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to deepen and the soup to reach the perfect consistency.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream and lemon juice. Be careful not to let the soup boil once the sour cream is added, as it can curdle.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley before serving.

Simplified Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent.
2. Stir in the mushrooms and cook until they begin to brown and release their juices.
3. Add dill weed, paprika, and soy sauce, mixing well to coat the mushrooms.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and flour until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
6. Simmer the soup for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
7. Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream and lemon juice. Do not boil once the sour cream is added.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread, perfect for soaking up all the creamy goodness. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad or a plate of roasted vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Can I use fresh dill instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh dill if you prefer. Just remember to use about three times the amount of fresh dill compared to dried, as fresh herbs are less concentrated.

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