Hungarian potato soup: traditional “Krumplileves” recipe

Hungarian potato soup has been a staple in Hungarian households for generations. Passed down from grandmothers to mothers and from mothers to children, this soup represents the heart and soul of Hungarian comfort food. It’s a dish that embodies warmth, simplicity, and the richness of the land. With its humble ingredients and robust flavors, Krumplileves is a true reflection of Hungarian culinary traditions. The soup typically includes potatoes, onions, and carrots as the base, with the addition of other vegetables and seasonings.

How to make Hungarian potato soup – step by step

The preparation of Hungarian Potato Soup can vary from region to region and from one family to another, but the basic recipe usually involves the following steps.

Ingredients:

• 1.65 lbs potatoes
• 2 onions
• 0.2 cups oil
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 – 2 carrots
• 1 white carrot
• 2 tbsp paprika cream
• 2 – 3 heaping tbsp all-purpose flour
• salt
• 1 heaping tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
• 0.75 cups sour cream
• 1 bunch of fresh parsley

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

• Peel the potatoes and cut them into approximately 1-inch cubes. Place the potato cubes in a bowl filled with water until ready to use to prevent them from turning brown.
• Dice the onions into small pieces.
• Peel and grate the garlic.
• Peel the carrots and white carrot, then slice them into thin rounds.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

• In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté them until they become translucent and slightly golden.
• Add the bay leaves and grated garlic to the pot. Continue to cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

• Add the sliced carrots and white carrot to the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic. Also, add the diced potatoes.
• Mix everything together and cook for a few minutes, allowing the vegetables to slightly soften.

Step 4: Add Paprika Cream and Flour

• Stir in the paprika cream, ensuring that the vegetables are well coated with it.
• Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and mix until the flour is well combined.

Step 5: Add Water and Bring to a Boil

• Pour enough water into the pot to just cover the vegetables (about 2.8 cups). Stir well to avoid lumps from forming.
• Increase the heat and bring the soup to a boil. Stir occasionally.

Step 6: Season and Simmer

• Once the soup is boiling, season it with salt and sprinkle with paprika.
• Reduce the heat to medium and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes. This will allow the flavors to develop, and the vegetables will become tender.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• While the soup is simmering, finely chop the fresh parsley.
• When the soup is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender, remove the bay leaves.
• Serve the Classic Potato Soup in bowls. Garnish each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

Enjoy your Classic Potato Soup, made just like grandma used to make!