Hungarian Egg Drop Soup with Potato Dumplings
(Tojásleves Galuskával)
Hungarian cuisine is known for its deep, comforting flavors built from simple ingredients, and Hungarian Egg Drop Soup with Potato Dumplings is a perfect example. This humble yet satisfying soup is traditionally served as a light first course or a nourishing meal on cold days. Delicate ribbons of egg float in a savory broth flavored with paprika, while tender potato dumplings add heartiness and texture.
Unlike Asian-style egg drop soups, the Hungarian version is richer and more rustic, often seasoned with sweet Hungarian paprika, garlic, and onions. The potato dumplings—soft, slightly chewy, and filling—turn this simple soup into a complete, comforting dish that has been enjoyed in Hungarian homes for generations.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
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Comforting and warming, perfect for cool weather
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Made with simple, affordable ingredients
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Light yet filling thanks to potato dumplings
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Naturally vegetarian
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A traditional Eastern European comfort food
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
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1 tablespoon butter or oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon sweet Hungarian paprika
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6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Egg Drop
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3 large eggs
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1 tablespoon water
For the Potato Dumplings
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2 medium potatoes, peeled and grated
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1 large egg
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3–4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon salt
Optional Garnish
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Extra black pepper
Equipment Needed
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Medium soup pot
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Mixing bowls
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Grater
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Spoon or small scoop
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Whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Soup Base
In a medium pot, melt the butter or heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Remove the pot briefly from the heat and stir in the paprika. This prevents the paprika from burning and keeps its flavor sweet rather than bitter.
Pour in the broth, return the pot to heat, and bring to a gentle simmer. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Potato Dumpling Dough
In a bowl, combine the grated potatoes, egg, salt, and flour. Mix until a thick, sticky batter forms. The texture should be soft but able to hold together—add a little more flour if needed, but don’t overdo it or the dumplings will become dense.
Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes.
3. Cook the Potato Dumplings
Bring the soup to a gentle boil. Using a spoon, scoop small portions of the dumpling batter and carefully drop them into the simmering broth. Repeat until all the batter is used.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 8–10 minutes, or until the dumplings float and are cooked through.
4. Add the Egg Drop
In a small bowl, whisk the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water. Slowly drizzle the egg mixture into the simmering soup while gently stirring in one direction. Thin ribbons of egg will form almost immediately.
Let the soup simmer for another 1–2 minutes to fully cook the eggs.
5. Taste and Finish
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hungarian egg drop soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper. It pairs beautifully with:
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Crusty bread or rolls
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Pickled vegetables
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A light salad
This soup can be served as a first course or as a simple, satisfying meal on its own.
Tips for Best Results
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Use sweet Hungarian paprika for authentic flavor
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Keep the dumplings small so they cook evenly
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Stir gently when adding eggs to keep ribbons light
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Avoid overcooking the soup after adding eggs
Storage
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
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Reheating: Warm gently on the stove; avoid boiling to keep dumplings tender
This soup is best enjoyed fresh, as the dumplings will soften further over time.
Cultural Note
Egg drop soups and dumplings appear in many Central and Eastern European cuisines, but Hungary’s use of paprika and potato dumplings gives this version its unique identity. It’s a dish rooted in home cooking—simple, nourishing, and deeply comforting.
Final Thoughts
Hungarian Egg Drop Soup with Potato Dumplings is a beautiful reminder that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With its warming broth, soft dumplings, and delicate egg ribbons, this soup delivers flavor, tradition, and nourishment in every bowl.