Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful dish made with earthy mushrooms, sweet Hungarian paprika, sour cream, and fresh dill. This comforting Eastern European soup has a velvety texture with a balance of earthiness, smokiness, and slight tang from the sour cream, making it a perfect cozy meal for colder days.

For the Soup Base

2 tbsp butter

1 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion (finely chopped)

½ kg mushrooms (cremini or button, sliced)

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1 tsp dried thyme

2 tsp sweet Hungarian paprika (for authentic flavor)

1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)

3 cups vegetable or chicken broth

1 cup milk (whole or 2%)

½ cup sour cream (for richness)

2 tbsp soy sauce (adds umami depth)

½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

½ tsp black pepper

For Garnish

¼ cup fresh dill (chopped, plus extra for garnish)

Extra sour cream for topping

A sprinkle of paprika for color

Crusty bread or toasted baguette slices

Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the Butter and Oil:
- In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Cook the Onions and Garlic:
- Add onions and cook until soft (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Cook the Mushrooms

Add Mushrooms and Thyme:
- Stir in sliced mushrooms, dried thyme, and soy sauce.
- Cook until mushrooms are soft and have released their moisture (8-10 minutes).
Season with Paprika:
- Sprinkle in Hungarian paprika and stir well.

Thicken the Soup

Add Flour:
- Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and mix until fully incorporated.
Pour in the Broth:
- Slowly add vegetable or chicken broth, stirring continuously.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Finish with Dairy

Add Milk and Simmer:
- Pour in milk and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
Stir in Sour Cream:
- Lower the heat and mix in sour cream, making sure it fully blends into the soup.
Add Fresh Dill:
- Stir in chopped dill and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Serve and Garnish

Ladle into Bowls:
- Pour the warm soup into bowls.
Add Toppings:
- Garnish with extra dill, a sprinkle of paprika, and a dollop of sour cream.
Pair with Bread:
- Serve alongside crusty bread or garlic toast.

Pro Tips

For a Thicker Soup: Increase the flour to 2 tablespoons.
For Extra Depth: Use a mix of wild mushrooms for added earthiness.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut milk for regular milk and use dairy-free sour cream.

Print Options: