Hungarian Caraway Soup Recipe – Köménymag leves

By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on March 13, 2023 | Last Updated on June 26, 2023

Hungarian caraway seed soup is a dish that every Hungarian knows of, but it isn’t spoken about too highly. The soup is very divisive- most Hungarians dread it, but there are some people who love it since it reminds them of happy memories.

A friend of mine, who is originally from Hungary, introduced me to Hungarian caraway soup. She told me that this soup is a traditional dish in her country and is usually served during the winter. She also told me the history of this soup. I was intrigued by the idea of a soup made with caraway seeds, so I decided to try it.

During and after the world wars, many people in Hungary were living in poverty and caraway seed soup was often their only option. The soup was filling and provided some nutrients, but it was not a meal that anyone would choose to eat if they had other options.

Despite the negative associations that many Hungarians have with caraway seed soup, there are also those who love it because it reminds them of happy memories. For many Hungarians, caraway seed soup is a reminder of the difficult times that their country has gone through.

However, there are also those who have fond memories of eating the soup with their families and friends. No matter what people’s individual experiences with caraway seed soup are, it is a dish deeply connected to Hungary’s history.

This soup has been a favorite for centuries and is still enjoyed today by some people. Try something new and exciting by trying caraway seed soup!

What Is Hungarian caraway soup?

Caraway seed soup is a type of roux soup containing a mixture of water, salt and flour. Simple as it may seem, this dish was actually quite luxurious during famine times when croutons and paprika were added to the mix – ingredients that weren’t always readily available.

The original recipe for this dish is quite simple and can be made with only a few readily available ingredients.

What makes Hungarian caraway soup special is the addition of paprika, which gives it a characteristic red color and a slightly spicy flavor. Other simple ingredients such as black pepper and salt are also commonly added to give the soup more body and flavor. Croutons are also often added as a garnish.

By adding lard to this soup, you can get a good source of healthy fats that support a healthy heart. Lard has 48 percent monounsaturated fats, which is second only to olive oil at 77 percent. These fats help lower blood cholesterol levels and maintain healthy cells.

Looking for a warming soup to enjoy this winter? This one is perfect! Serve it as a starter or main course, depending on your hunger.

How to make Hungarian caraway soup?

This soup is hearty and energetic and perfect for a winter meal. It’s packed with flavor, and the caraway seeds give it a nice earthy flavor.

This soup is made with lard, eggs, flour, water, paprika, caraway seeds and salt. This soup is sure to warm you up on a cold day. Croutons add a nice crunch to the soup, and the caraway seeds give it a unique flavor.

The key to this soup is to cook the ingredients until they mix well. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a delicious and comforting soup. Serve with some crusty bread on the side, and enjoy!

Although it may seem challenging, making Hungarian caraway soup is very easy. You can purchase caraway seeds from your local store.

The ingredients you need to make Hungarian caraway soup are:

• 2 tbsp lard
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 tsp black pepper(ground)
• 2 tbsp flour
• 5 cups of water
• 1 tsp paprika
• croutons
• 2 tsp caraway seeds
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: First, add the lard to a saucepan and heat it over the stove.

Step 2: Add caraway seeds and stir the mixture until combined but be careful not to over-stir.

Step 3: A few seconds after, add the flour, and start cooking it over medium heat. Keep stirring until the roux reaches a golden brown color.

Step 4: Take the pot off the heat, add paprika, and then quickly pour in some water so that the paprika doesn’t burn. Stir until the roux is thoroughly combined with water.

Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat for 10-12 minutes.

Step 6: Beat the eggs in a small bowl. Then pour them into the soup in a thin stream while whisking continuously. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: It’s ready to serve! This dish is best served hot, with croutons.

Tips

-Make sure to cook the roux until it reaches the golden brown stage for the best flavor.

-Stir the soup constantly while cooking to prevent scorching.

-Eggs should be added in a fine stream while stirring to create a smooth texture.

-You can use beef, chicken or vegetable broth. 

What does it taste like?

Hungarian caraway soup has a rich, slightly nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness from the paprika. The caraway seeds give the soup a nice earthy flavor and the eggs add a smooth, creamy texture. Croutons added on top provide a crunchy contrast.

How do you make Hungarian caraway soup thicker?

If you want a thicker soup, you can cook the roux for longer until it reaches a darker brown color. You can also add more flour to the roux or reduce the amount of water in the recipe. Finally, stir beaten egg yolks into the soup before serving to thicken it up.

What to serve with Hungarian caraway soup?

Hungarian caraway soup is typically served with croutons on top, but it can also be garnished with chopped parsley or chives. It goes well with a side of bread or crackers.

How to store leftover Hungarian caraway soup?

You can store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through. You may need to add a little water to thin it out, as it will thicken up as it cools.

But it is sure that there will be no leftovers when you get a bowl of Hungarian caraway soup.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving And % Daily Values

Serving: 4 people ; Calories- 25 kcal; Protein-11 g ; Carbohydrate-2 g ; Dietary Fiber-0 g ; Sugars-0 g ; Fat-19 g ; Saturated Fat-7 g; Cholesterol-71 mg ; Sodium-62 mg; Vitamin A-21% ; Vitamin C-1% ; Calcium-1% ; Iron 2.6%

Wrapping up

Thanks for reading this recipe. We can ensure you that Hungarian caraway soup is a great way to add some delicious flavor to your winter meal. Whether you serve it as a starter or main course, this traditional dish will surely be enjoyed by all! Give it a try and let us know how you liked it in the comments. Enjoy!

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