Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that highlights the earthy richness of mushrooms enhanced by smoky paprika and fresh herbs. Perfect as a starter or a light meal, this soup is velvety, satisfying, and easy to prepare at home.

Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1.5 pounds cremini mushrooms (sliced; or use bella mushrooms or portobello)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon Hungarian paprika (or regular sweet paprika)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Tamari sauce
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped)
- Salt, pepper, and ground chili pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 7 to 8 minutes until they release their moisture and become golden brown, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the flour and Hungarian paprika over the mushrooms. Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Step 4: Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Pour in the milk and Tamari sauce, then mix everything together. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Remove the soup from heat. Stir in the sour cream, lemon juice, fresh parsley, dill, thyme, salt, black pepper, and ground chili pepper. Mix well until smooth and combined.
- Step 6: Let the soup rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired and enjoy with crusty bread or a light salad.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil, chicken broth with vegetable broth, and sour cream with a dairy-free alternative.
- Use smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
- If you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Fresh herbs can be adjusted or substituted depending on availability; marjoram or chives also complement this soup well.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent curdling. This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Yes, you can use a variety of mushrooms such as button, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms. Mixing different types adds more depth of flavor.
Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely. Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the soup without gluten.
PrintCreamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup Recipe
This Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish made with sautéed cremini mushrooms, Hungarian paprika, and fresh herbs, enriched with sour cream for a smooth, velvety texture. Perfect as a starter or light meal, this traditional soup brings rich Eastern European flavors to your kitchen using everyday ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1.5 pounds cremini mushrooms, sliced (or bella mushrooms, or portobello)
Seasonings and Thickeners
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon Hungarian paprika (or regular sweet paprika)
- Salt, pepper, and ground chili pepper, to taste
Liquids
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Tamari sauce
Finishing Ingredients
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and sauté for 7–8 minutes until they release their moisture and turn golden brown, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add Flour and Paprika: Sprinkle the flour and Hungarian paprika over the mushrooms. Stir well to coat the mushrooms and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste and deepen the flavor of the paprika.
- Add Broth and Milk: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the milk and Tamari sauce, then stir to combine all ingredients evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish Soup: Remove the pot from heat after simmering. Stir in the sour cream, lemon juice, fresh parsley, dill, thyme, salt, black pepper, and ground chili pepper. Mix well until the soup is smooth and all ingredients are well combined.
- Rest and Serve: Let the soup rest for a couple of minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired and serve with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use Hungarian sweet paprika for an authentic flavor, but regular sweet paprika can be a substitute if needed.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit Tamari sauce if it contains non-vegetarian ingredients or substitute with soy sauce.
- Sour cream can be swapped with a dairy-free alternative for lactose intolerance.
- The soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rye bread, or a fresh green salad.
- Adjust the chili pepper amount to your heat preference or omit for a milder taste.
- To make the soup thicker, use less broth or add a bit more flour when coating the mushrooms.
Keywords: Hungarian mushroom soup, creamy mushroom soup, traditional Hungarian soup, cremini mushrooms, paprika soup, sour cream mushroom soup, easy mushroom soup

