Hungarian Vegetable Soup (Zöldségleves)

Hungarian Vegetable Soup (Zöldségleves) is a light, nourishing, and comforting classic made with colorful root vegetables, onions, paprika, and fresh herbs. Simple enough for a weekday lunch yet full of traditional Hungarian flavor, this soup is a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal vegetables in a warm, flavorful broth.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 parsnips, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small kohlrabi, peeled and diced, optional
• 1 cup green peas, fresh or frozen
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sweet Hungarian paprika
• 6 cups (1.4 L) vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, optional
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Hungarian Dumplings

• 1 egg
• ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt