This Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a bowl of true comfort food. It’s rich, creamy and absolutely delicious! Whether served as a warming main course or a delicious appetizer, it’s an ideal choice for a cozy winter family dinner.
WHAT IS HUNGARIAN MUSHROOM SOUP
Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a traditional Hungarian dish that has gained popularity around the world for its rich and creamy flavour profile. It typically consists of sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, and a variety of herbs and spices, all simmered together in a vegetable broth until the flavours come together beautifully. The addition of sour cream or crème fraîche at the end adds amazing creaminess to the soup, making it the ultimate comfort food.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
- Mushrooms: I recommend using chestnut or cremini mushrooms for their earthy flavour and meaty texture, but you can use any variety you prefer.
- Aromatics: Onions and garlic form the flavour base of this soup, so be sure to use fresh ones for the best results.
- Herbs and spices: Dill weed, paprika, and fresh thyme add depth and authentic Hungarian taste.
- Vegetable broth: Use high-quality vegetable broth for the base of this soup.
- Milk: You can use either whole milk or dairy-free alternatives (I usually go for oat milk).
- Flour: All-purpose (plain) flour is used to thicken the soup slightly and give it a silky texture.
- Sour cream: You can use sour cream or crème fraîche to add creaminess to the soup.
- Fresh parsley: Use fresh parsley to garnish soup while serving.
HOW TO MAKE HUNGARIAN MUSHROOM SOUP
Please note: This is just an overview – the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: Sauté vegetables. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened about 2 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 2: Add the seasonings. Stir in the dried dill weed, paprika, salt, and fresh thyme leaves. Cook for another minute to toast the spices and herbs.
Step 3: Simmer the soup. Pour in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Let the soup simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavours to come together.
Step 4: Thicken the soup. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the pot, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Let the soup cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Adjust seasoning and serve. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If using sour cream, you can either add it directly to the soup and stir until well combined, or you can dollop it on top of each bowl when serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
STORING AND FREEZING
Hungarian Mushroom Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
I don’t recommend freezing this vegetarian soup. Freezing can negatively impact the texture of the soup, causing it to become grainy or separating upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days to maintain its delicious taste and creamy consistency.
TOP TIPS
- Season well: The herbs and spices are what gives this soup its unique flavour profile.
- Simmer to thicken: Make sure to simmer this mushroom soup for a couple of minutes until it thickens.
- High-quality mushrooms: Use fresh, high-quality mushrooms for the best results.
You may also enjoy…
One-Pan Chicken Fricassée (Creamy Chicken Stew)
Roasted Cauliflower Cheddar Soup
FAQ
Can I use different types of mushrooms in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any variety of mushrooms you like or have on hand. Just make sure they are nice and fresh.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily make this soup dairy-free by using a dairy-free milk alternative and skipping the sour cream or using a dairy-free alternative.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavours have had time to come together. Simply reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
WATCH MY VIDEO ON HOW TO MAKE THIS HUNGARIAN MUSHROOM SOUP
Did you make it?
I would love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
Your feedback is valuable and helps me to continue creating delicious recipes that you will love.
So, don’t be shy, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out for you!
I made this soup and everyone loved it! I also added some Italian pearl barley to mine. Delicious soup!
Thank you Claudia! I’m glad you liked it!
The best mushroom soup I ever made! So easy to make too. I accidentally used chipotle instead of paprika, but it’s still really delicious and flavourful dish.
That’s amazing, thank you so much Tera!