This creamy Hungarian mushroom soup is both comforting and flavorful. Earthy mushrooms are enhanced by dill’s herbaceousness and sour cream’s subtle tang, while paprika gives the fragrant soup a beautiful pink hue. This soup is a perfect choice for a chilly day.
Making the Best Mushroom Soup
A well-made soup can be a true celebration of flavor. This Hungarian mushroom soup stands out with its rich and satisfying taste. Here’s how to ensure it’s perfect every time:
- Choose Quality Mushrooms: Select firm, clean mushrooms. Cremini mushrooms are a great choice for their meaty texture and dark color, but white button mushrooms will also work.
- Sauté with Patience: Take your time when sautéing the onions and mushrooms. Allow the heat and butter to draw out their natural juices and develop a rich, dark (but not burnt) caramelization. This step is crucial for flavor development.
- Don’t Skimp on Dairy: Use full-fat sour cream and milk for a decadent richness. The small amount added makes a big difference in the soup’s comforting texture.
The Magic of Hungarian Paprika
Paprika, made from dried and ground peppers, is a key ingredient in Hungarian cuisine. It’s what makes this mushroom soup distinctly Hungarian. However, not all paprika is the same.
- Hungarian Sweet Paprika: This is the classic choice for this soup. Look for it labeled as “Hungarian sweet paprika” in your local grocery store.
- Hungarian Half-Sharp Paprika: If you prefer a little heat, this is a slightly spicier version of the sweet paprika.
- Spanish Paprika (Pimenton): While delicious and smoky, Spanish paprika is made from a different type of pepper and is not the right choice for this Hungarian mushroom soup.
A Perfect Meatless Meal
This creamy Hungarian mushroom soup is an ideal weeknight dinner, especially for Meatless Mondays. Serve it with crusty bread or herby rolls for a more substantial meal. A refreshing cucumber salad provides a wonderful contrast to the soup’s richness.
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories300
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
17g
27%
- Cholesterol 43mg 15%
- Sodium 593mg 25%
- Protein 11g 22%
- Sugars 10%
- Protein 11%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.