Hungarian Cabbage Soup Recipe – Authentic Sweet n Sour

By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on March 13, 2023 | Last Updated on June 28, 2023

Looking for an authentic Hungarian cabbage soup recipe? If yes, you’re in the right place. Here, we’ve shared the most authentic and delicious Hungarian cabbage soup recipe that you’ll ever come across. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Hungarian Cabbage soup is the perfect meal for any time of day. It is hearty and filling, and it is packed with flavor. The best part about Hungarian Cabbage soup is that it is incredibly easy to make. 

There are many different types of soup, but they all have one thing in common – they are delicious! Soup is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables, and it can be a warm and comforting meal on a cold day.

One of the great things about soup is that it can be easily customized to fit your dietary needs. If you are trying to eat more veggies, simply add more vegetables to your soup. You can also make vegetarian or vegan soups by avoiding meat and dairy products.

But when it comes to Hungarian Cabbage soup, it is so much more than that. This soup is packed with flavor and will surely leave you feeling satisfied. The best part about Hungarian Cabbage soup is that it is incredibly easy to make.

So what are you waiting for? Give this soup a try today! 

What is Hungarian Cabbage Soup?

Hungarian cabbage soup is a type of soup that is traditionally made with cabbage, onion, beef broth, sausage and other seasoned ingredients. It is a popular dish in Hungary and other parts of Central Europe and can be served either hot or cold.

I was first introduced to this soup by my mother, who is originally from Hungary. She would make this Hungarian dish for us whenever we had a family gathering or holiday dinner. I have always loved the taste of Hungarian cabbage soup, which has become one of my favorite dishes.

People love Hungarian Cabbage soup for a variety of reasons. First, it is hearty and filling. You can make this soup with various vegetables, including cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and onions. These vegetables all come together to create a filling soup that will stick to your ribs.

Another reason people love Hungarian Cabbage soup is that it is packed with flavor. The soup is made with a variety of spices, including paprika, garlic, and caraway seeds. These spices give the soup a unique flavor that you will not find in other soups.

On top of this, it is incredibly easy to make this Hungarian cabbage soup. In just a few simple steps, your soup will be ready, and it does not require any special ingredients. All you need to make this soup is a few common kitchen staples. 

If you are looking for a hearty and delicious soup to make, I highly recommend trying Hungarian cabbage soup. You will not be disappointed!

How to make Hungarian Cabbage Soup?

This traditional Hungarian cabbage soup is the perfect wintertime comfort food. Packed with flavorful sausage, sauerkraut, and tender chunks of cabbage, this filling soup will warm you up from the inside out. Best of all, it can be on the table in under an hour.

Even if you are a vegetarian, you can make this delicious soup with vegetable stock and some types of vegetables.  

Ingredients

• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 1 large red onion (chopped)
• 8 cups of beef broth
• 2 tbsp caraway seeds
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb sliced kielbasa sausage
• 3 tbsp Hungarian paprika powder
• 1 cabbage (thinly sliced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced and smashed)
• 1 lb bacon (cut into small pieces)
• 1 lemon (juiced)
• Sour cream (For serving)

Equipment

• One large pan
• Wooden spoon

Instructions

Step 1: In a pan, take the pieces of bacon. Cook over medium heat until it is almost crispy. 

Step 2: Now add the onions (both types) and sauté over medium heat until they are soft and translucent. 

Step 3: Reduce the heat to low, sprinkle the paprika powder, and add half a cup of water. Now, increase the heat to medium and keep stirring with the wooden spoon until the mixture becomes thin. 

Step 4:  Add the sliced kielbasa sausage and mix it with the mixture. Then add the sliced cabbage, broth, caraway seeds, and smashed garlic cloves. Bring to a boil.

Step 5: Reduce heat to low and let simmer for one hour. Keep in the heat until the cabbage is completely broken down and soft. 

Step 6: Add thoroughly salt, lemon juice and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. 

It’s ready to serve! Serve it with sour cream, which makes the soup more yummy. 

Tips

– If you want a more intense flavor, you can roast the garlic cloves and caraway seeds before adding them to the soup.

– You can also use sauerkraut in this soup instead of cabbage for a more authentic taste.

– For a more hearty soup, add some diced potatoes or noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

– There is no need to pre-cook the cabbage. 

– To make the soup thicker, you can use all-purpose flour.

– Try to use fresh cabbage to make the soup more healthier. Remove the core and slice the cabbage into thin, small strips.

What does it taste like?

This soup has a complex and rich flavor thanks to the combination of paprika, caraway seeds, and bacon. The cabbage is tender but still retains a bit of crunch, and the kielbasa sausage adds a nice smokiness to the soup. 

What to serve with this Soup?

This soup is hearty and filling enough to be a meal on its own. However, if you want, you can serve it with some crusty fresh bread, dollops of sour cream, or rolls on the side.

How to store leftovers?

You can store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat it gently on the stove until warmed through before serving.

What types of vegetables can be used in Hungarian Cabbage Soup?

The vegetables used in Hungarian Cabbage Soup include potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and cabbage. You can also add some green beans, diced tomatoes, and/or corn for extra flavor and nutrition. This soup is typically seasoned with salt and pepper, but you can also add other herbs and spices to taste.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Amount per serving And % Daily Values

serving 10 people | Calories 230 | Total Fat 12 g (18%) | Saturated Fat 4.5 g (23%) | Cholesterol 36 mg (12%) | Total Carbohydrates 19 g (6%) | Dietary Fiber 3 g (12%) | Sugars 8 g | Protein 9 g (18%) | Vitamin A 14% | Vitamin C 29% | Calcium 5% | Iron 11%

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Wrapping Up

Thanks for reading through my recipe! I hope you enjoy making this traditional Hungarian soup as much as I do. If you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. And if you try the recipe, please let me know how it turns out!

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