Hungarian Spinach & Potato Delight Soup
This rich and creamy Hungarian Spinach & Potato Delight Soup is a versatile dish that brings warmth on chilly days and refreshment during the summer. Featuring vibrant greens of baby spinach and basil, it forms a beautiful base that is complemented by the savory flavor of shallots and garlic. The soup is further enriched with chicken stock and milk, giving it a luscious texture. To elevate your dining experience, coin-shaped slices of hard-boiled eggs, cucumber, and yellow squash float atop the soup, creating a colorful presentation. A sprinkle of Hungarian paprika and a generous helping of grated Asiago cheese enhance the flavors, creating a delightful symphony of tastes in every spoonful. Perfect for any season, this soup is a comforting choice, especially for those looking to impress with a gourmet touch.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baby Spinach
8 ounces (triple washed)
Fresh Basil Leaves
1/2 cup (chopped)
Shallots
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Garlic
1 teaspoon (pressed)
Chicken Stock
2 cups (14-1/2 oz can (College Brand))
Milk
1 cup
Instant Mashed Potatoes
1/2 cup (buds or flakes)
Sour Cream
3 tablespoons
Lemon Juice
3 tablespoons (substitute lime juice if desired)
Cayenne Pepper
1 pinch (to taste)
Salt
1 pinch (to taste)
Hard-Boiled Eggs
2 (sliced)
Cucumber
1 small (sliced thinly)
Yellow Squash
1 small (sliced thinly)
Hungarian Paprika
1 teaspoon
Asiago Cheese
1/2 cup (grated (substitute Gouda cheese if desired))
Instructions
1
In a large pot over medium heat, combine the baby spinach, chopped basil, shallots, pressed garlic, and 1 cup of chicken stock. Cook while stirring until the spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
2
Using a hand blender, puree the mixture until smooth. Gradually add the remaining chicken stock and milk, blending again until well combined. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
3
Stir in the instant mashed potato flakes, sour cream, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the soup is heated through and smooth, ensuring the sour cream is fully incorporated.
4
Distribute the soup evenly into individual bowls. Arrange one or more coin-shaped slices of hard-boiled eggs, cucumber, and yellow squash on top of each serving.
5
Finish by sprinkling a pinch of Hungarian paprika over the soup and adding a generous portion of grated Asiago cheese.
6
Serve hot and enjoy the delightful flavors of this Hungarian-inspired soup, perfect for any occasion!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hungarian Spinach & Potato Delight Soup?
It is a rich, creamy, and versatile soup featuring baby spinach, fresh basil, and instant mashed potatoes, topped with sliced eggs and fresh vegetables.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
While the recipe uses chicken stock, it can be easily made vegetarian by substituting it with vegetable stock.
What thickens this soup?
The soup is thickened using 1/2 cup of instant mashed potato flakes or buds.
What kind of spinach should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of triple-washed baby spinach.
Can I substitute the lemon juice?
Yes, you can substitute lime juice for the lemon juice if you prefer.
What cheese is recommended for the topping?
Grated Asiago cheese is recommended, but you can use Gouda cheese as a substitute.
What vegetables are used as a garnish?
The soup is garnished with thin, coin-shaped slices of cucumber and yellow squash.
How is the soup blended?
A hand blender is used to puree the spinach and basil mixture directly in the pot until smooth.
Is there any spice in this soup?
The recipe includes a pinch of cayenne pepper and Hungarian paprika for a subtle kick and depth of flavor.
What type of stock does the recipe require?
It requires 2 cups of chicken stock, specifically suggesting a 14-1/2 oz can.
How are the eggs prepared for this dish?
The recipe uses two hard-boiled eggs sliced into coin-shaped pieces as a topping.
How long does it take to wilt the spinach?
The spinach should be cooked with shallots and garlic for about 3-4 minutes until wilted.
What is the purpose of sour cream in the recipe?
Sour cream adds creaminess and a slight tang to the soup's texture and flavor profile.
When do I add the Hungarian paprika?
The Hungarian paprika is sprinkled over the soup as a finishing touch before serving.
Can this soup be served cold?
While the instructions suggest serving it hot, the description notes it is a refreshing dish during the summer.
What aromatics are used in the base?
The base uses chopped shallots and pressed garlic for a savory foundation.
How much basil is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe due to the high volume of spinach and fresh vegetable garnishes.
How do you ensure the sour cream is properly mixed?
The instructions advise stirring thoroughly for 3-5 minutes until the soup is smooth and the sour cream is fully incorporated.
Can I use whole milk?
The recipe simply lists 1 cup of milk; you can use whole, 2%, or skim depending on your preference for richness.
What is the primary color of the soup?
The soup has a vibrant green base thanks to the pureed spinach and basil.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of pressed garlic.
Is this recipe quick to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal, with the main cooking stages taking less than 15 minutes.
What provides the saltiness in the soup?
The soup is seasoned with a pinch of salt and further enhanced by the saltiness of the Asiago cheese garnish.
How should the garnish slices be shaped?
The cucumber, squash, and eggs should all be cut into coin-shaped slices.
What kind of potato flakes work best?
Either instant potato buds or flakes work equally well for this recipe.
Does the soup use any dry herbs?
No, the recipe specifically uses fresh basil leaves for the best flavor.
How many hard-boiled eggs are required?
The recipe requires two hard-boiled eggs.
When do you add the remaining chicken stock?
The remaining chicken stock is added gradually after the initial mixture has been pureed.
Is this a traditional Hungarian recipe?
It is a Hungarian-inspired delight soup that incorporates traditional ingredients like Hungarian paprika.