Creamy Hungarian Soup

Featured in Warm Soups & Rich Stews.

Earthy mushrooms and a luscious creamy blend make this soup comforting. Paprika, dill, and sour cream come together in under an hour.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Updated on Thu, 10 Apr 2025 19:13:48 GMT
A creamy mushroom soup bowl with a dollop of sour cream, greens, and bread slices on a wooden board. Pin it
A creamy mushroom soup bowl with a dollop of sour cream, greens, and bread slices on a wooden board. | cookbybook.com

I first stumbled upon Hungarian Mushroom Soup on a cold day when I wanted something both warming and sophisticated. It's now our family's top pick for comfort food. The blend of earthy mushrooms with sweet paprika and fresh dill all wrapped in a creamy sour cream base makes every bite absolutely delightful.

What Makes Us Come Back For More

The way this soup mixes deep mushroom flavors with fresh herbs and that subtle paprika kick is just wonderful. It's become what I cook when we need a quick but fancy-feeling meal. Even people who usually don't like mushrooms ask for another bowl when they smell this cooking.

Your Shopping List

  • Fresh Mushrooms: Cremini are my pick but regular white mushrooms work great too.
  • Sweet Onions: They turn golden and sweet when cooked down.
  • Real Butter: Adds that can't-beat richness.
  • Fresh Dill: Gives such wonderful fresh flavor.
  • Hungarian Paprika: The key ingredient worth spending extra on.
  • Full-Fat Sour Cream: Creates that velvety texture.
  • Whole Milk: Brings the perfect creaminess.
  • Good Broth: Either vegetable or chicken will do the job.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Just a bit to get the right thickness.

Creating Kitchen Wonder

Building Flavor Foundations
Let the mushrooms and onions brown in butter until they're golden and smell amazing. Your kitchen already feels cozy.
Spice Symphony
When paprika and dill hit the hot pan, they'll fill your home with the most gorgeous scent.
Soup Construction
Add your broth and let the flour do its job making everything thicker.
Smooth Transformation
Mix in sour cream and milk carefully, watching as your soup turns wonderfully silky.
Finishing Touches
Top with a bit more fresh dill and you've got comfort ready to serve.
A pot of creamy mushroom soup with sliced mushrooms and a golden spoon stirring it. Pin it
A pot of creamy mushroom soup with sliced mushrooms and a golden spoon stirring it. | cookbybook.com

Authentic Hungarian Twist

The real Hungarian paprika isn't just about color—it's what gives this soup its character. My Hungarian buddy taught me to never cut corners with this ingredient. It adds such warmth and richness that each spoonful tastes like it was made in a grandma's kitchen in Budapest.

Ideal Sidekicks

There's nothing better than dipping crusty bread into this smooth soup and watching it soak up all that flavor. A simple cucumber salad on the side works great for balance. This soup turns any meal special, whether it's just family or you're feeding guests.

Insider Tips

Don't rush the mushrooms and onions—let them get nice and golden, you won't regret it. Always go for the full-fat dairy products, they make such a big difference. And that fresh dill on top isn't just for looks—it adds brightness to every single bowl.

Customization Ideas

I sometimes throw in different mushroom types when I want to get fancy. For my vegan pals, coconut cream works surprisingly well instead of dairy. Tossing in some diced potatoes or barley makes it extra filling when we want something more substantial.

Storage Smarts

This soup stays good in the fridge for about three days and actually tastes better as time passes. Just heat it up slowly, stirring often to keep it smooth. I don't recommend freezing it though—the dairy tends to separate when thawed.

Fan Favorite Features

Something about this soup draws everyone to the table. Maybe it's how the earthy mushrooms blend with tangy cream or the gentle warmth from the paprika. Whatever it is, this recipe always hits the spot and leaves everyone happy.

Meal Planning Magic

This soup pairs beautifully with so many sides—from warm bread to soft rolls or that tangy cucumber salad. When friends drop by, I'll pour some crisp white wine and watch their faces light up at the first taste.

Something For Everyone

One thing I really like about this soup is how easily it works for different eating habits. My veggie-loving friends can't get enough, and with a few tweaks, it's totally plant-based. It's the kind of comfort food that nobody has to miss out on.

Family Heritage Flavors

When I cook this soup, I can't help thinking about all the Hungarian cooks before me who tweaked and perfected this recipe. It's more than just food—it's a bowl full of history and love that warms you right up from inside out.

A pot of creamy mushroom sauce is being stirred, showcasing sliced mushrooms in a rich brown liquid. Pin it
A pot of creamy mushroom sauce is being stirred, showcasing sliced mushrooms in a rich brown liquid. | cookbybook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap mushrooms?

Sure, mix it up with button, portobello, or even wild mushrooms. Each one adds its own tasty touch.

→ How to avoid curdling sour cream?

Keep the heat low and stir well while adding it. Don’t let the soup boil or it might split.

→ Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Totally! Stash it in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge and warm up gently while stirring.

→ What replaces white wine?

A splash of lemon juice or white vinegar along with extra broth does the trick. Same great taste without the wine.

→ How do I make it vegetarian?

Easy. Use veggie stock instead of chicken, and double-check your Worcestershire sauce to keep it plant-based.

Conclusion

This creamy, paprika-spiced mushroom soup captures the essence of Hungarian flavors. A cozy choice for wintry evenings.

Mushroom Soup

Packed with paprika and fresh dill, this creamy mushroom soup is ideal for chilly days.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Susan

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Hungarian

Yield: 4 Servings (5 cups)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 4 tbsp salted butter.
02 1 big yellow onion, finely chopped.
03 1 lb cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced.
04 2 cups chicken or veggie broth.
05 Half a cup of dry white wine.
06 2 tsp dried dill weed.
07 2 tsp minced fresh thyme.
08 2 tsp Hungarian paprika.
09 1 tbsp Worcestershire.
10 1 tsp kosher salt.
11 3 tbsp plain flour.
12 1 cup whole milk.
13 1/4 cup sour cream.
14 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional).
15 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Over medium heat, melt butter in a large pot. Toss in the onions and mushrooms, stirring every so often, until the onions turn soft—roughly 8 minutes.

Step 02

Pour in the broth and wine, then mix in the herbs, paprika, Worcestershire, and salt. Bring to a boil, then lower to simmer for 10 minutes, letting the liquid cook down by about one-third.

Step 03

Blend the flour into the milk until it’s smooth and lump-free. Stir this mixture into the soup and let it simmer for another 10 minutes, giving it time to thicken up.

Step 04

Using a low flame, slowly blend in the sour cream and lemon juice, mixing until everything combines nicely.

Step 05

Ladle the soup into bowls, and if you like, sprinkle some parsley on top before serving.

Notes

  1. Yields 5 cups—double if you want it as a main dish.
  2. Freezable for up to a month.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big pot.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, milk, sour cream).
  • Has wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 363
  • Total Fat: 17 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 11 g