That’s a fantastic combo. Here’s a hearty, old-world Hungarian Beef & Barley Soup paired with Cheesy Paprika Bread — rustic, comforting, and perfect for cold days 🇭🇺🥣🍞

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Hungarian Beef & Barley Soup

Ingredients

• 1½ lb beef chuck, cut into bite-size cubes

• 2 tbsp oil or lard (traditional)

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika

• ½ tsp caraway seeds (optional but traditional)

• 1 bay leaf

• 8 cups beef broth

• ¾ cup pearl barley

• 2 carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, sliced

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Brown the Beef
   Heat oil/lard in a soup pot over medium-high.
   Brown beef in batches; remove and set aside.

2. Build the Base
   Lower heat. Add onion and cook until soft.
   Add garlic, then remove pot from heat and stir in paprika (prevents bitterness).

3. Simmer
   Return beef to pot. Add caraway, bay leaf, broth, and barley.
   Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

4. Add Vegetables
   Simmer covered 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   Add carrots and celery during the last 20 minutes.

5. Season & Serve
   Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf.
   Garnish with parsley.

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Cheesy Paprika Bread (Quick Skillet or Oven Bread)

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1½ tsp Hungarian paprika

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar (or half cheddar, half mozzarella)

• ¾ cup milk

• 2 tbsp melted butter or oil

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Instructions

1. Mix Dough
   Combine flour, baking powder, salt, paprika, and cheese.
   Stir in milk and butter until just combined.

2. Bake

   • Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes

   • Skillet: Cook in a greased cast-iron skillet over low heat, covered, 25–30 minutes

3. Finish
   Brush with melted butter while warm.
   Optional sprinkle of flaky salt or extra paprika.

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Why This Works

• Paprika ties the soup and bread together

• Barley adds chew and heartiness

• Cheese mellows paprika’s warmth

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Optional Variations

• Smoky: Use half smoked paprika

• Creamy Soup: Stir in ½ cup sour cream at the end

• Extra Rustic: Add diced potatoes to the soup

If you want, I can:

• Convert this to a slow-cooker version

• Make the bread air-fryer or no-knead

• Or adjust it to be authentically village-style Hungarian