Hungarian Green Bean Soup (Zöldbabfőzelék / Zöldbableves)

Hungarian Green Bean Soup, known as Zöldbableves, is a comforting Hungarian soup made with tender green beans, onions, paprika, and a creamy sour cream finish. Fresh dill adds a bright herbal note that balances the rich, tangy broth.

It is a simple, traditional-style dish that works beautifully as a light lunch or as the first course of a Hungarian family meal.

Ingredients

• 1½ lb (700 g) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sweet Hungarian paprika
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 5 cups (1.2 L) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried dill, or 1 tablespoon fresh dill
• 1 bay leaf

For the Sour Cream Thickener

• ¾ cup (180 g) sour cream
• 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2–3 tablespoons hot soup broth

To Finish

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1–2 teaspoons vinegar or lemon juice, optional