Hungarian Ham and Bean Soup

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp oil or butter
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups cooked ham, diced (or smoked ham hock)
  • 1 cup dried beans (soaked overnight) or 2 cups canned beans
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 1 parsley root or parsnip, chopped
  • 1 potato, diced
  • 1 tsp Hungarian paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6 cups water or broth

Optional thickening (rántás):

  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1/2 tsp paprika

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a large pot. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic.
  2. Add ham and cook for a few minutes to release flavor.
  3. Stir in paprika, then quickly add a splash of liquid to prevent burning.
  4. Add beans, carrots, parsley root, potato, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour in water or broth and bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat and simmer for 1.5–2 hours (less if using canned beans) until everything is tender.
  7. (Optional) In a small pan, make a roux by heating oil, adding flour, then paprika. Stir into soup to thicken.
  8. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

Hearty, smoky, and deeply comforting—this classic Hungarian soup is perfect for cozy meals! 😋

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