Hungarian soup with potato dumplings

Hungarian potato dumpling soup - a savory recipe full of flavors and tradition, perfect for cool days or when you crave a comforting meal. This soup is more than just a simple dish; it is a journey into the world of rich tastes and fresh ingredients. I invite you to discover together step by step how to prepare it and enjoy every bite.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes
- 1 red onion
- 1-2 carrots
- 1 parsley root
- 1-2 eggs (depending on the desired consistency of the dumplings)
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 1-2 liters of broth (meat or vegetable, preferably homemade for a more intense flavor)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Black pepper
- Sea salt
- 1 tablespoon of spicy gulyás paste
- 1 tablespoon of red pepper paste (ideally homemade)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of Bio vegeta (or another vegetable seasoning option)

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
We start by peeling the potatoes. We cut them into cubes and boil them in a pot with water and salt. It is essential not to add too much salt, as we will also use broth later. Once the potatoes are boiled, we drain them, but do not throw away the water in which they boiled - we keep it for the next step.

Step 2: Preparing the soup base
While the potatoes cool, we peel the onion and cut it into julienne. We heat the olive oil in a pot, add the onion, and sauté for a minute until it becomes transparent but not browned. Then, we add the red pepper paste and the gulyás paste, mixing well to combine the flavors. This is where the magic begins to reveal itself!

Step 3: Adding the broths
After the onion has softened, we add the water saved from boiling the potatoes and the meat broth. We cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for a few minutes. This will create a flavorful soup base that will give a fantastic taste to the final dish.

Step 4: Preparing the vegetables
Meanwhile, we take care of the carrots and parsley root. We peel, wash, and slice them into rounds. These will add texture and color to our soup. We add them to the pot with the soup and let them simmer covered for 30 minutes on low heat until the vegetables are cooked and the flavors have combined.

Step 5: Preparing the dumplings
Once the potatoes have cooled, we mash them using a potato press or even a fork until we have a fine puree. In a bowl, we add the potato puree, the egg (or eggs, if needed), flour, and salt. We mix all the ingredients well, but be careful not to overmix, or the dumplings will become too tough.

If you feel that the dough is too dense, feel free to add an extra egg to achieve a lighter consistency. Form small dumplings, about the size of a walnut, which you pass through a little flour.

Step 6: Boiling the dumplings
In a separate pot, we bring 2 liters of water to a boil, adding a tablespoon of Bio vegeta for extra flavor. When the water boils, we add the potato dumplings and let them cook for 10 minutes. You will notice how they rise to the surface when they are ready - this is the sign that they are perfectly cooked! Once cooked, we remove them with a slotted spoon and set them aside.

Step 7: Finalizing the soup
After the vegetables in the soup have cooked, we taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If you want a more sour taste, you can add a little lemon juice or, for a traditional option, a tablespoon of sour cream when serving. We add the chopped fresh parsley to the soup for an extra touch of freshness.

Step 8: Serving
When serving, add 3-4 dumplings to each plate, pour hot soup over them, and sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley. For an extra kick, add hot pepper, and those who prefer a sour note can add a little lemon juice.

Useful tips:
- Fresh ingredients are key: Use seasonal, fresh, and quality vegetables for a perfect taste.
- Dumplings can be varied: Experiment with different ingredients in the dough, such as cheese or herbs, to achieve a different texture and taste.
- Dumpling consistency: If you want fluffier dumplings, make sure not to overmix the batter. Gentle mixing is key!

Nutritional benefits
Hungarian potato dumpling soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. Carrots and parsley bring a good dose of vitamins and minerals, while the meat broth adds essential proteins.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? - Yes, sweet potatoes will add a note of sweetness and a vibrant color to the soup.
2. How can I make the soup spicier? - Add more gulyás paste or add freshly chopped hot peppers.
3. Can I freeze the dumplings? - Yes, dumplings can be frozen before cooking. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container.

Serving suggestions
This Hungarian soup pairs perfectly with a slice of homemade bread or a fresh pretzel. A cold drink, such as a natural juice or, for those who prefer alcohol, a pale beer, will perfectly complement the meal.

Enjoy your meal and happy cooking! This recipe will not only bring a smile to your loved ones' faces, but it will also turn an ordinary day into a true feast of flavors!