Celebrate your holidays with the rich and comforting flavors of the famous Hungarian bean soup. This traditional soup is a hearty, smoky, and savory dish that brings together tender smoked meats, flavorful sausages, beans, and a variety of vegetables. It’s perfect for warming up during the colder months and makes an impressive addition to any festive table. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create a delicious bowl of Hungarian bean soup that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 500 g (1.1 lbs) smoked meat or ribs
- 200 g (7 oz) smoked sausages, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 chili pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 300 g (10.6 oz) canned tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
- 2 ladles of broth (approx. 500 ml or 2 cups)
- Salt, pepper, and thyme (to taste)
- 400 g (14 oz) canned beans in tomato sauce
- A few stalks of dill, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cooking the Smoked Meat
Start by preparing the base of the soup with the smoked meat. In a large pot, add 2 liters (8 cups) of water and bring it to a boil. Add the 500 g (1.1 lbs) of smoked meat or ribs to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the meat for about 30 minutes. This step infuses the broth with the deep, smoky flavors of the meat, which is essential for the authentic taste of Hungarian bean soup.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables and Sausages
While the smoked meat is cooking, heat a little oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent. Next, add the 200 g (7 oz) of smoked sausages cut into slices. Fry the sausages until they begin to brown slightly, releasing their smoky aroma into the mixture.
Add the sliced carrot and diced bell pepper to the pan. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Incorporate the finely chopped chili pepper and minced garlic, stirring for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Creating the Soup Base
Add the 300 g (10.6 oz) of canned tomatoes to the pan with the vegetables and sausages, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of plain flour and mix thoroughly. This will help thicken the soup slightly, giving it a satisfying texture.
Pour in 2 ladles of broth (approximately 500 ml or 2 cups) from the pot where the smoked meat is cooking. Stir everything well to blend the flavors and create a rich base for the soup. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. Let this mixture simmer on low heat, tasting and adjusting the seasoning every 10 minutes.
4. Combining the Ingredients
After the smoked meat has been cooking for about 30 minutes, carefully remove it from the pot and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Return the meat to the pot along with the sautéed vegetable and sausage mixture. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
Add the 400 g (14 oz) of canned beans in tomato sauce to the soup. Stir well, making sure the beans are evenly distributed throughout the soup. Let the soup simmer on low heat for an additional 20 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
5. Finishing Touches
For the final touch, add a few stalks of chopped dill to the pot. Stir the dill into the soup and cook for another 5 minutes to release its fresh, aromatic flavor into the soup.
6. Serving the Soup
Once everything is well combined and the soup is heated through, remove it from the heat. Serve the Hungarian bean soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh dill if desired. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximately 6 Servings)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Sugars: 6 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
Tips for Success
- Smoked Meat Options: Use smoked ribs, ham hocks, or even smoked turkey for a slightly different twist.
- Bean Variations: If you prefer, you can use canned white beans or kidney beans in place of beans in tomato sauce; just add a bit more tomato puree or sauce for consistency.
- Adjusting Spice Level: For a milder soup, reduce or omit the chili pepper; for extra heat, add more chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Enjoy this Hungarian bean soup as a comforting meal on its own or as a starter for your holiday feast. Its rich, smoky taste and hearty ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends during special occasions.
