Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a creamy, comforting, and flavor-packed dish that highlights earthy mushrooms and warm spices. With paprika, dill, and a splash of lemon balancing out the richness of sour cream, this soup is both hearty and elegant. Perfect for cozy dinners, it’s an easy stovetop recipe that comes together in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Earthy and savory: Mushrooms are the star, with their umami depth enhanced by broth and herbs.

• Rich yet balanced: Sour cream, lemon juice, and dill cut through the creaminess for a refreshing finish.

• Easy to make: Simple steps and common ingredients make it beginner-friendly.

• Customizable: Works with many mushroom varieties—button, cremini, shiitake, or a mix.

• Perfect comfort food: A warm bowl that’s satisfying on its own or paired with crusty bread.

• Family favorite: Loved by adults and kids alike for its creamy, smooth texture.

• Hearty but not heavy: Flour-thickened broth keeps it filling without being overly rich.

• Impressive yet simple: Elegant enough for entertaining, quick enough for weeknights.

• Versatile: Great as a starter or main course.

• Crowd-pleaser: A classic recipe that appeals to many tastes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter

• Onions, chopped

• Fresh mushrooms, sliced

• Chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)

• Soy sauce

• Paprika

• Dried dill weed

• Milk

• All-purpose flour

• Sour cream

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Lemon juice

• Salt and black pepper

Directions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Add mushrooms and sauté for another 5 minutes.

3. Stir in broth, soy sauce, paprika, and dill. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together milk and flour until smooth. Stir this mixture into the soup. Cover and simmer for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add sour cream, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Warm gently for 3–5 minutes on low heat, stirring until creamy and heated through.

6. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 35 minutes

• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• Extra creamy: Substitute heavy cream for the milk.

• Wine boost: Add a splash of dry white wine or sherry with the broth for depth.

• Chunky texture: Leave mushroom slices larger or add diced potatoes for heartiness.

• Spicy twist: Use hot Hungarian paprika or add a pinch of cayenne.

• Low-carb/keto: Replace the milk-and-flour mixture with heavy cream, skipping the flour.

• Herb variation: Fresh thyme or tarragon can be added alongside dill.

• Mushroom medley: Use a mix of wild mushrooms for richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it without the sour cream for up to 2 months. Stir in sour cream after reheating for best texture.

• Reheat: Warm gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often to prevent curdling.

FAQs

What type of mushrooms work best for Hungarian mushroom soup?

Button mushrooms, cremini, or baby bellas are classic choices, but you can mix in shiitake or oyster mushrooms for added depth.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I prevent the sour cream from curdling?

Add it at the end over low heat and stir continuously. Avoid boiling once sour cream is added.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt works as a lighter alternative but should also be stirred in at the end over gentle heat.

What can I serve with Hungarian mushroom soup?

Crusty bread, noodles, or a side salad pair perfectly.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, but for best texture, freeze before adding sour cream. Add it after reheating.

Is this soup spicy?

No, Hungarian mushroom soup is mild. Use hot paprika or cayenne if you want extra heat.

Can I thicken the soup without flour?

Yes, you can blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in for natural thickness.

How long does it keep in the fridge?

Stored properly, it stays fresh for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a classic, creamy comfort dish with layers of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Perfectly balanced with paprika and dill, it’s a versatile recipe that can be served as a hearty starter or a light meal. Whether you keep it traditional or add your own twist, this soup is sure to warm hearts and satisfy appetites.