Hungarian Paprika Dumpling Soup (Paprikás
Hungarian Paprika Dumpling Soup (Paprikás Gombócleves)
A comforting Hungarian-style soup featuring tender homemade dumplings simmered in a rich paprika and tomato broth. Fragrant onions, sweet Hungarian paprika, garlic, and fresh herbs create a deeply flavorful soup that is warming, satisfying, and perfect for a traditional family meal.
Hungarian Paprika Dumpling Soup
Hungarian cuisine is celebrated for its generous use of paprika, hearty soups, and comforting homemade dumplings. This rustic Hungarian Paprika Dumpling Soup brings those elements together in one colorful and flavorful dish.
The bright red broth gets its characteristic Hungarian flavor from sweet paprika and tomatoes, while small homemade dumplings provide a soft, satisfying texture. Fresh parsley adds a final touch of freshness.
It is an excellent choice for a cozy lunch or dinner, especially when served with crusty bread.
🥣 Ingredients
For the Paprika Broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1.5 liters chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
For the Dumplings
- 1 large egg
- 100 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon semolina
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1–2 tablespoons water, if needed
To Finish
- Fresh parsley
- A small amount of Hungarian sweet paprika
- Sour cream, optional
👩🍳 How to Make Hungarian Paprika Dumpling Soup
1. Prepare the Paprika Base
Heat the oil or lard in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Remove the pot briefly from the heat and stir in the Hungarian paprika.
Do not let the paprika burn, as it can become bitter.
2. Add the Vegetables
Return the pot to low-medium heat.
Add the diced tomatoes, red bell pepper, and carrot.
Cook for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their juices.
3. Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock.
Add the salt, black pepper, and bay leaf.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 15–20 minutes.
The vegetables should become tender and the broth should develop a rich red color.
🥟 4. Prepare the Dumpling Dough
While the soup is simmering, prepare the dumplings.
In a bowl, combine the egg, flour, semolina, salt, and chopped parsley.
Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
If necessary, add a teaspoon or two of water.
Let the mixture rest for approximately 5–10 minutes.
🍲 5. Cook the Dumplings
Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer.
Using two small teaspoons, scoop small portions of the dumpling dough and carefully drop them into the hot soup.
Avoid making the dumplings too large because they will expand as they cook.
Simmer for approximately 8–10 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and tender.
Stir gently once or twice, but avoid vigorous stirring.
🌿 6. Finish the Soup
Remove the bay leaf.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Stir in freshly chopped parsley just before serving.
For an extra creamy Hungarian-style presentation, serve each bowl with a small spoonful of sour cream.
🍽️ How to Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and make sure each serving contains plenty of dumplings and vegetables.
Garnish with:
- Fresh parsley
- A light sprinkle of sweet paprika
- A spoonful of sour cream
Serve with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
✨ Tips for Perfect Hungarian Dumplings
Keep the dumplings small: They expand as they cook, so small portions are best.
Don't boil aggressively: A gentle simmer helps the dumplings keep their shape.
Let the dough rest: A short resting period allows the flour and semolina to hydrate.
Use quality paprika: Sweet Hungarian paprika provides the characteristic color and flavor.
Never burn paprika: Add it briefly off the heat before adding liquid to the pot.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dumplings without semolina?
Yes. Replace the semolina with an additional tablespoon of flour. The texture will be slightly softer.
Can I use vegetable stock?
Absolutely. Vegetable stock works well if you want a meat-free soup.
Is Hungarian paprika spicy?
Traditional sweet Hungarian paprika is generally mild and aromatic. If you prefer a spicy soup, add a small amount of hot paprika.
Can I prepare the soup ahead of time?
Yes. The broth can be prepared ahead of time. For the best dumpling texture, however, it is preferable to cook the dumplings shortly before serving.
Can I add chicken?
Yes. Shredded cooked chicken can be added to make the soup more substantial.
📌 Recipe Card
Recipe: Hungarian Paprika Dumpling Soup
Cuisine: Hungarian
Category: Soup
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 50 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
Soup
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or lard
- 1 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1½ tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 carrot
- 1.5 liters stock
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley
Dumplings
- 1 egg
- 100 g flour
- 1 tbsp semolina
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
Instructions
- Sauté the onion until soft.
- Add garlic and remove the pot briefly from the heat.
- Stir in the paprika.
- Add tomatoes, bell pepper, and carrot.
- Pour in the stock and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Mix the dumpling ingredients into a soft dough.
- Drop small portions into the simmering soup.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Hungarian Paprika Dumpling Soup is a comforting combination of a rich, paprika-infused broth and tender homemade dumplings. Its vibrant color and rustic presentation make it a beautiful addition to a traditional Hungarian-inspired dinner.
Serve it hot with fresh parsley, a little sour cream, and plenty of crusty bread for a satisfying homemade meal.
