Hungarian Beef and Noodle Soup

Hungarian Beef and Noodle Soup Recipe | Authentic Hungarian Recipe

Region / culture: Hungary | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 5 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Hungarian Beef and Noodle Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This soup is a traditional Hungarian recipe that has been passed down through generations. It is made with tender stewing beef, onions, garlic, paprika, carrots, noodles, green beans, and sour cream. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich and satisfying soup that is sure to warm you up.

History

Hungarian Beef and Noodle Soup has its origins in Hungary, where it is a popular dish enjoyed by many. The recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a staple in Hungarian cuisine. The use of paprika, a spice commonly used in Hungarian cooking, gives this soup its distinctive flavor. It is often served as a main course or as a starter before a larger meal.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) stewing beef
3 tbsp butter
1 chopped onion
1 minced clove of garlic
1 tbsp paprika
2 cans (10.75 oz (305 g)) of tomato soup
9 cups of water
0.25 tsp of caraway seeds
4 sliced medium carrots
4 oz (113 g) of wide noodles
10 oz (283 g) of frozen cut green beans
1 cup of sour cream

How to prepare

Using a large soup kettle, brown the beef on all sides in butter. Remove the beef and set it aside.
In the same kettle, brown the onion and garlic in butter until soft, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the paprika.
Return the beef to the kettle and add the soup, water, caraway, and carrots.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 45 minutes.
Stir in the noodles and green beans with soup over high heat.
Once the soup boils, reduce the heat to simmer, cover, and continue cooking for about 20 minutes.
Stir occasionally.
Stir in the sour cream until it is blended.
Heat the mixture, but do not allow it to boil.

Variations

Add diced potatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Use beef broth instead of water for a richer soup base.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the beef on all sides to seal in the juices and add flavor to the soup.

- Stir in the paprika with the onions and garlic to release its full flavor.

- Be sure to simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Stir in the sour cream at the end of cooking to prevent curdling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Hungarian Beef and Noodle Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the beef before simmering adds depth of flavor to the soup.

- Simmering the soup on low heat allows the flavors to develop and meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or pork instead of beef for a different variation.

- Use egg noodles or rice instead of wide noodles.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Hungarian Beef and Noodle Soup with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

380 per serving

Carbohydrates

32g per serving

Fats

18g per serving

Proteins

28g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and wheat (noodles).

Summary

This soup is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Hungarian Beef and Noodle Soup is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to make and is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy a bowl of this hearty soup with your loved ones and savor the rich flavors of Hungarian cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Hungarian Beef and Noodle Soup. It was many years ago, during a trip to Hungary with my husband. We had decided to explore the beautiful countryside and immerse ourselves in the local culture. Little did I know that I would stumble upon a recipe that would become a family favorite for generations to come.

We were staying in a quaint little village, nestled in the rolling hills of the Hungarian countryside. As we wandered the cobblestone streets, we stumbled upon a charming little restaurant that seemed to beckon us inside. The smell of savory spices and simmering broth wafted out from the open kitchen, tempting our taste buds.

Once inside, we were greeted by a friendly Hungarian woman who welcomed us with a warm smile. She handed us menus written in Hungarian, but thankfully she also spoke English and was more than happy to help us navigate the unfamiliar dishes. As we perused the menu, one particular item caught my eye - Hungarian Beef and Noodle Soup. It sounded hearty and comforting, perfect for a chilly autumn evening.

I asked the woman about the soup and she eagerly told me all about it. She explained that the dish was a traditional Hungarian recipe, passed down through generations in her family. The secret, she said, was in the rich beef broth that simmered for hours on the stove, infusing the tender chunks of beef and vegetables with deep, savory flavor. The noodles were made from scratch, adding a satisfying chewiness to each spoonful.

I knew I had to try it, and when the steaming bowl of soup arrived at our table, I knew I had made the right choice. The first bite was pure bliss - the tender beef, the perfectly cooked vegetables, the rich broth that warmed me to my core. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I savored every spoonful, feeling like I had discovered a hidden gem.

As we finished our meal, I asked the woman if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. She smiled and agreed, pulling out a worn notebook from behind the counter. She scribbled down the ingredients and instructions in her neat handwriting, adding a few tips and tricks she had picked up over the years. I thanked her profusely, promising to cherish the recipe and make it for my family back home.

And so, armed with this newfound treasure, I returned to my own kitchen and set to work recreating the Hungarian Beef and Noodle Soup. I gathered the ingredients - tender chunks of beef, fragrant vegetables, homemade noodles - and set to work simmering the broth to perfection. The house filled with the comforting aroma of spices and herbs, and I knew I was onto something special.

When I finally ladled out the first steaming bowl of soup, my family gathered around the table, eager to taste the fruits of my labor. They took their first bites, their faces lighting up with delight. The soup was a hit, just as I had hoped. From that moment on, it became a staple in our household, a dish that we would turn to time and time again, especially on cold winter nights when nothing else would do.

Over the years, I have made this Hungarian Beef and Noodle Soup countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my family's tastes. Each time I make it, I am transported back to that cozy restaurant in Hungary, to the kind woman who shared her family recipe with me. I am grateful for the experience, for the joy it has brought me and my loved ones.

And so, as I sit here now, stirring a pot of simmering broth on the stove, I am filled with gratitude for the serendipitous discovery of this recipe. It has become more than just a dish to me - it is a connection to a faraway land, to a kind stranger, to a tradition that has enriched my life in ways I could never have imagined. And for that, I am truly thankful.