Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a warm, creamy delight! Made with fresh mushrooms, onions, and a hint of paprika, it’s full of flavor and super comforting.
This soup is like a cozy hug in a bowl! I enjoy pairing it with some crusty bread—it never lasts long in my kitchen. Who can resist a good dip? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: This is essential for sautéing. You can use olive oil or a dairy-free alternative if you prefer a plant-based option.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, shallots work well too, or you could use leeks for an interesting flavor boost.
Mushrooms: Fresh white button mushrooms are classic, but feel free to mix it up with cremini or shiitake for earthier flavors!
Hungarian Paprika: This is key for authentic flavor. If you can’t find it, regular paprika will work, but you’ll lose a bit of that special richness.
Sour Cream: This gives creaminess and tang. Greek yogurt is a good substitute if you want something lighter, or use a non-dairy yogurt for a vegan option.
Broth: Vegetable or chicken broth is great, but make sure it’s low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake. You can also use homemade broth for even more depth.
How Do I Achieve a Creamy Texture Without Curdling the Soup?
To get a creamy texture while avoiding curdling, follow these steps:
- Make sure to temper your sour cream! Gradually mix in hot broth before adding it to the soup.
- Always stir the soup gently over medium-low heat once you’ve included the sour cream to keep it creamy and smooth.
- Avoid boiling the soup after adding sour cream since high heat can cause it to separate.
Taking these steps will help you achieve a silky, delicious soup that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking!”
How to Make Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) white button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon Hungarian sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for depth)
- 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes of cooking time. So, in total, you’ll need about 40 minutes to create this delicious and warming Hungarian Mushroom Soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Onion:
Start by heating the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the finely chopped onion. Cook the onion until it becomes soft and translucent, which will take about 5 minutes.
2. Adding Garlic and Mushrooms:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot, cooking it for about another minute until it’s fragrant. Then, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms until they release their moisture and reduce in size, this should take about 8-10 minutes.
3. Spicing It Up:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Stir in the Hungarian sweet paprika and smoked paprika (if using), cooking for about 30 seconds to allow the spices to bloom and become aromatic.
4. Adding the Broth:
Pour in your broth (either vegetable or chicken) and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to enhance those lovely flavors!
5. Mixing the Sour Cream:
In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and flour until you achieve a smooth mixture. This will help to thicken the soup while adding creaminess.
6. Combining the Mixtures:
To prevent curdling, temper the sour cream mixture by slowly adding a few ladlefuls of hot soup broth while whisking. Then stir this mixture back into the pot with the soup.
7. Final Cooking:
Continue cooking the soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until the soup thickens slightly. Make sure you don’t let it boil!
8. Seasoning and Serving:
Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the hearty soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve it warm with some crusty bread on the side. Enjoy your delightful bowl of Hungarian Mushroom Soup!
Can I Use Different Types of Mushrooms?
Absolutely! While white button mushrooms are traditional, you can also use cremini, shiitake, or a mix of mushrooms for added flavor and texture. Just make sure to slice them uniformly for even cooking.
Is There a Dairy-Free Option for This Soup?
Yes! You can substitute the sour cream with a plant-based yogurt or cashew cream to keep it dairy-free while still achieving that creamy consistency. Simply follow the same process for tempering to prevent curdling.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.
What Can I Serve with This Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping, or you can serve it alongside a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy it as a starter or a filling main dish!
