If you’re searching for a deeply flavorful, velvety soup to warm up your evenings, this Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a must-try! Featuring a medley of mushrooms, fragrant herbs, and a luscious, creamy base, this dish is packed with rich umami flavors and subtle smoky undertones from Hungarian paprika. Whether you’re looking for a comforting winter soup or a unique, easy-to-make dish, this recipe will not disappoint.
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 1 pound mushrooms, sliced (white button, cremini, or a mix of wild mushrooms like chanterelles)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Hungarian paprika (for authentic flavor and slight smokiness)
- 3 cups vegetable broth (or substitute with chicken stock or bone broth for extra depth)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried dill)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How To Make
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and continue cooking for 10-15 minutes until they release their moisture and the liquid evaporates, leaving a rich, concentrated mushroom flavor.
- Build the Base: Sprinkle the flour and paprika over the mushrooms and stir well to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, to eliminate the raw flour taste and develop the depth of flavor.
- Simmer the Broth: Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the soy sauce and milk, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Create the Creamy Finish: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sour cream, fresh lemon juice, dill, and parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. The soup should have a silky, slightly thickened consistency with a beautiful balance of tangy, earthy, and savory notes.
- Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh parsley or dill. Serve warm with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a light side salad for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Hungarian Mushroom Soup:
- Use Authentic Hungarian Paprika – This spice is the key to the deep, slightly smoky flavor. Opt for sweet or smoked Hungarian paprika for the best results.
- Enhance with Wild Mushrooms – A mix of wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles or oyster mushrooms, adds more complexity to the flavor.
- Adjust the Thickness – If you prefer a thicker soup, you can whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) before adding the sour cream.
- Make it Dairy-Free – Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and swap sour cream with a dairy-free alternative.
Variations & Substitutions:
- For a heartier version, add diced potatoes or cooked barley.
- To make it keto-friendly, replace flour with almond flour and use heavy cream instead of milk.
- If you love extra tanginess, increase the amount of lemon juice or add a splash of white wine.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze Hungarian Mushroom Soup?
A: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to freeze it, let it cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be aware that dairy-based soups may separate upon reheating, so stir well before serving.
Q: What is the best way to reheat this soup?
A: Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the dairy to curdle.
Q: What can I serve with this soup?
A: This soup pairs well with warm, crusty bread, a side of buttered noodles, or a simple green salad.
Simple Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe
Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup with Fresh Herbs is a comforting and flavorful dish with an irresistibly rich, velvety texture. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Serves: 6 People
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 pound mushrooms (white, cremini, or wild mix), sliced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken stock/bone broth)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried dill)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onions and sliced mushrooms, cooking for 10-15 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
- Stir in flour and paprika, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and milk, stirring continuously. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in sour cream, lemon juice, dill, and parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 177 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 33mg
- Sodium: 1080mg
- Potassium: 408mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 1430 IU
- Vitamin C: 7.4 mg
- Calcium: 85 mg
- Iron: 1.2 mg