How to make Vegetarian Hungarian Bean Soup (Zöldséges Bableves)

Bean soups are often associated with smoked meats, but this vegetarian bean soup proves you don’t need meat to capture that deep, smoky flavor. With a combination of smoked paprika, fresh herbs, and hearty vegetables, this dish is as satisfying as its meaty counterpart. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe brings traditional Hungarian flavors to your table in a plant-based way.

Hungarian Bean Soup - Vegetarian

If you’ve been searching for a hearty, flavorful, and meat-free soup, you’re in the right place! This guide will teach you how to make Vegetarian Hungarian Bean Soup, a plant-based twist on a traditional favorite. It’s smoky, satisfying, and packed with tender beans and vibrant vegetables.

Creating this soup starts with high-quality ingredients. The key to achieving that signature smoky flavor is smoked paprika, paired with sweet paprika and a blend of aromatic spices. The base is built with sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers, thickened with a touch of flour to give the soup its rich, velvety texture.

To ensure every bite is filled with flavor, the beans are simmered in vegetable broth until tender, absorbing the earthy spices. Adding fresh thyme, carrots, and parsnips elevates the soup, making it both hearty and wholesome. A splash of white wine vinegar at the end provides the perfect balance of acidity, tying all the flavors together.

Wondering how to make Vegetarian Hungarian Bean Soup taste just as comforting as the classic version with smoked meat? The secret lies in the smoked paprika, which replicates the traditional smoky essence without any meat. It’s a simple yet powerful ingredient that transforms the dish.

Serve this soup hot with crusty bread, and you have a meal that’s both nourishing and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Hungarian cuisine or trying it for the first time, learning how to make Vegetarian Hungarian Bean Soup is a must for your recipe collection.

Ingredients

• 300 g dried pinto beans, soaked overnight

• 3 L vegetable broth

• 160 g onion, finely chopped

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 40 g bell pepper, diced

• 5 tbsp oil

• 2 tbsp flour

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 ½ tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp sweet paprika

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 small bunch of thyme, chopped

• 30 g tomato, diced

• 200 g carrot, sliced

• 100 g parsnip, sliced

• 4 bay leaves

• 2 tbsp white wine vinegar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beans: Drain the soaked beans and place them in a pot with 2 liters of salted vegetable broth. Cook until the beans are tender.

2. Make the Base: In a separate pot, heat the oil and sauté the chopped onions, garlic, and bell pepper for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and continue cooking, stirring constantly, for another 4-5 minutes.

3. Add Flavor: Stir in the ground cumin, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, and chopped thyme. Add the diced tomatoes and pour in 1 liter of vegetable broth. Bring to a boil and blend the mixture with an immersion blender until smooth.

4. Cook the Vegetables: Add the sliced carrots, parsnips, and bay leaves to the blended base. Simmer until the vegetables are tender.

5. Combine with Beans: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the cooked beans along with their cooking liquid. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and white wine vinegar to taste.

6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with fresh bread for a comforting and flavorful meal.

This vegetarian bean soup is proof that comfort food can be both hearty and healthy. Packed with protein-rich beans, smoky paprika, and vibrant vegetables, it’s a dish that’s sure to warm your heart and soul. Serve it with crusty bread for the perfect meal. If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out in the comments below—or share your photos on Instagram and tag me @artisanistshop. Happy cooking!

Vegetarian Bean Soup