Marha Husleves

Marha Husleves Recipe from Hungary

Region / culture: Hungary | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 4 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Marha Husleves, also known as Hungarian beef soup, is a traditional dish that is hearty and comforting. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a staple in Hungarian cuisine.

History

Marha Husleves has been a popular dish in Hungary for centuries. It is often served during special occasions and family gatherings. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and flavorful broth.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) beef chuck, in one piece
1-2 soup bones with marrow
5 qt (4.73 liter) cold water
3 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black peppercorns
6 whole carrots, cleaned
3 ribs of celery, cut in half
3 medium onions washed but unpeeled
3 potatoes, peeled and halved
noodles - your preference (we use wide egg noodles)

How to prepare

Sear the meat in a pot to enhance flavor and color.
Add soup bone(s) to the pot.
Cover the ingredients with water.
Allow it to come to a boil and skim off any foam that forms.
Add salt, peppercorns, and let it simmer for 1 hour.
Add the carrots, celery, and onions to the pot.
Cover the pot and let it simmer slowly for about 2 hours.
Add the potatoes during the last hour of cooking.
Boil the noodles separately according to your preference.
Keep the noodles separate from the soup.
Combine the noodles and the soup together at the table.
Add Heinz Ketchup to taste! :)

Variations

Add paprika for a spicier flavor.
Use different vegetables such as parsnips or turnips.
Substitute the beef chuck with lamb or pork for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Searing the meat before adding it to the pot will enhance the flavor of the soup.

- Skimming off any foam that forms while the soup is simmering will result in a clearer broth.

- Adding the vegetables at different times during the cooking process will ensure that they are cooked to perfection.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Marha Husleves with crusty bread and a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a flavorful Marha Husleves is to simmer the ingredients slowly over low heat. This allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have beef chuck, you can use stew meat or brisket as a substitute. You can also use different types of noodles or pasta in place of egg noodles.

Make Ahead Tips

Marha Husleves can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Marha Husleves in a large soup tureen with a ladle for serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Marha Husleves with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, and Potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the egg noodles.

Summary

Marha Husleves is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a filling and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cold winter day.

Summary

Marha Husleves is a classic Hungarian beef soup that is perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Marha Husleves. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my aunt in the countryside. She was known for her delicious Hungarian dishes, and I was eager to learn from her. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, she pulled out a yellowed piece of paper from her recipe box and handed it to me with a smile.

"This is my secret recipe for Marha Husleves," she said, her eyes twinkling with pride. "It has been passed down through generations in our family, and now I am passing it on to you."

I looked down at the paper, my heart filled with excitement. The ingredients were simple - beef, onions, carrots, potatoes, and a few spices. But I knew that the real magic lay in the technique and the love that went into preparing the dish.

My aunt patiently guided me through each step, showing me how to brown the beef to perfection, how to sauté the onions and carrots until they were caramelized, and how to simmer everything together in a rich broth until the flavors melded together in perfect harmony.

As the scent of the simmering stew filled the air, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me. I had learned a valuable lesson that day - that cooking is not just about following a recipe, but about putting your heart and soul into each dish you create.

From that moment on, Marha Husleves became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for my family and friends, sharing the recipe and the story behind it with anyone who would listen. And each time I made it, I would think of my aunt and the special bond we shared over a pot of simmering stew.

Over the years, I continued to perfect my recipe for Marha Husleves, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. I added a splash of red wine for depth of flavor, a pinch of paprika for a hint of spice, and a dollop of sour cream for richness.

But no matter how many times I made it, the dish always brought me back to that sunny day in my aunt's kitchen, where I first learned the art of Hungarian cooking. It was a reminder of the traditions and memories that were passed down through the generations, and the joy that comes from sharing a meal with loved ones.

As I sit here now, with a steaming bowl of Marha Husleves in front of me, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons I have learned and the memories I have created through cooking. And as I take my first spoonful, I know that this dish will always hold a special place in my heart, connecting me to the past and the present in a way that only food can.