Hungarian Beef and Mushroom Soup

Light enough to lead into a meal, filling enough to be the main attraction at lunch, this soup showcases the classic Hungarian trio of flavours — onions, sour cream and paprika. Mushrooms add umami, beef brings protein and a trio of dried peppers keeps things interesting.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Charmian from The Messy Baker.
Prep Time: 15 mins. | Cook Time: 30 mins.
Ingredients
3 tablespoon butter
2 large onions, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pound lean ground beef
12 ounces mushrooms, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or 2 tsp dried dill
1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
2 tablespoons paprika
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
4 cups low-sodium or homemade beef or chicken stock
1 cup sour cream (plus more for garnish)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Garnish
sour cream
fresh ground black pepper
Method
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter gently over medium-low heat. Add the onions and salt, and cook for 10 minutes or until the onions are very soft.
- Increase the heat to medium and add the beef. Cook 5 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Add the mushrooms, dill, thyme, paprika(s) and cayenne, mixing to incorporate well. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes on medium-low or until the mushrooms have softened and the spices have infused their flavours.
- Stir in the stock, then increase heat to bring the soup to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer another 5 minutes.
- Swirl in the sour cream and lemon juice. Taste, adding more salt if necessary.
- Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a grinding of fresh black pepper. Serve immediately.