Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe: A Creamy, Flavorful Delight
If you’re looking for a rich and comforting soup that’s packed with flavor, look no further than this Hungarian Mushroom Soup. With earthy mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and a creamy texture, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or as an impressive starter for any meal. This soup is easy to make, with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and it offers a hearty, flavorful experience. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 ½ cups white onions, chopped
- 1 lb mushrooms, sliced (crimini, button, or a mix)
- 2 teaspoons dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried mushroom powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken stock (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup half-and-half (or whole milk)
- ⅓ cup room-temperature creme fraiche (or sour cream)
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms:
In a Dutch oven or a large soup pot, melt 4 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, allowing the onions to soften and the mushrooms to release their moisture.
Next, season the mixture with 2 teaspoons of dried dill, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 tablespoon of sweet paprika. Stir everything together, and let the mushrooms and onions continue to cook for an additional 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step allows the mushrooms to develop a deeper, richer flavor.
2. Add Garlic and Optional Mushroom Powder:
In the last 30 seconds of cooking, add the grated garlic to the pot and sprinkle in the dried mushroom powder (if using). Stir to combine and cook until fragrant. The garlic will release its aroma, enhancing the flavor of the soup.
3. Add Liquids and Simmer:
Slowly pour in the 2 ½ cups of chicken stock (or vegetable broth) and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any bits stuck to the bottom, adding more flavor to your soup. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Prepare the Thickening Mixture:
While the soup is simmering, whisk together the 1 cup of half-and-half (or milk) and 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour in a small bowl until smooth. You can also use a mason jar and shake it vigorously to combine. This will create the base for thickening the soup and giving it a creamy texture.
5. Thicken the Soup:
Slowly pour the milk and flour mixture into the simmering soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens to a creamy consistency.
6. Finish the Soup:
Once the soup has thickened, remove it from the heat. Slowly add in ⅓ cup of creme fraiche (or sour cream), stirring constantly to incorporate the creaminess into the soup. The result is a smooth, velvety texture with a rich, tangy flavor.
7. Garnish and Serve:
To finish, sprinkle the soup with 3 tablespoons of chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve your Hungarian Mushroom Soup warm with grilled bread that’s been rubbed with a cut clove of garlic for added flavor.
Tips:
- For a vegetarian version of this soup, simply substitute the chicken stock with vegetable broth.
- If you can’t find dried mushroom powder, you can skip it, but it adds a nice depth of flavor to the soup.
- Crème fraiche provides a rich and smooth finish, but sour cream works just as well if you prefer a tangier flavor.
- This soup pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Conclusion:
This Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a cozy, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave a hearty bowl of soup. With its rich, creamy base, savory mushrooms, and a touch of tang from the sour cream, this soup will become a favorite in your recipe collection. It’s simple to make, yet packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.