Ohhh yes—Hungarian Mushroom Soup (Gombaleves) is pure comfort: earthy mushrooms, sweet paprika, silky broth, and that unmistakable Hungarian warmth. 🍄🇭🇺
Here’s a best-of-the-best, home-kitchen version—rich, balanced, and deeply satisfying.
Best Hungarian Mushroom Soup (Gombaleves)
Ingredients (serves 4)
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500 g (1 lb) mushrooms, sliced (champignon or cremini)
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 tbsp butter (or oil)
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1 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika (don’t skip quality here!)
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1 tsp caraway seeds, lightly crushed (optional but traditional)
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1 tbsp flour
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1 L (4 cups) vegetable or chicken stock
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200 ml (¾ cup) sour cream
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Salt & black pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped
Optional upgrades (very Hungarian):
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1 tsp soy sauce (umami depth)
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1 tsp lemon juice or splash of vinegar
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A pinch of smoked paprika
Method
1. Build the base
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Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.
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Add onion with a pinch of salt. Cook slowly until soft and translucent.
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Add mushrooms. Cook until they release their juices and slightly caramelize.
2. Paprika moment (important!)
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Remove pot from heat briefly.
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Stir in paprika (and caraway if using).
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This prevents bitterness—classic Hungarian rule.
3. Thicken
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Sprinkle in flour, stir well.
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Return to heat and cook 1 minute.
4. Simmer
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Slowly add stock, stirring to avoid lumps.
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Season with salt and pepper.
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Simmer gently 15–20 minutes.
5. Finish with cream
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Lower heat.
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Stir in sour cream (temper with a little hot soup first).
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Add soy sauce and lemon if using.
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Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Serve
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Sprinkle with parsley.
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Serve with crusty bread or csipetke (tiny dumplings).
Why this version works
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Sweet paprika + mushrooms = depth without heaviness
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Sour cream adds richness and gentle tang
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Caraway gives subtle Hungarian character
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Balanced—not gloopy, not watery
Chef Tips
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Don’t rush the onions—sweetness matters
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Use real Hungarian paprika for color and flavor
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If soup thickens too much, thin with stock—not water
If you want, I can also give:
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A vegan version that’s just as rich
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A restaurant-style creamy upgrade
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Or the old village version without cream