Hungarian green pea soup with pinch noodles – Zöldborsóleves

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Heat the vegetable oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion, carrots, and parsley root.

Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

2. Add the Paprika

Remove the pot briefly from the heat.

Stir in the flour and sweet Hungarian paprika, mixing well so the paprika doesn’t burn.

Slowly add the broth while stirring.

3. Simmer the Soup

Add the green peas, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat.

Simmer for approximately 15–20 minutes, until the vegetables and peas are tender.

4. Make the Pinch Noodles

Place the flour and salt in a small bowl.

Add the egg and mix until a firm dough forms.

Knead briefly until smooth.

Let it rest for a few minutes.

Pinch off very tiny pieces of dough with your fingers. The pieces should be small because they expand slightly while cooking.

5. Cook the Noodles

Drop the tiny pieces of dough directly into the gently simmering soup.

Cook for approximately 5–8 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through.

6. Finish

Remove the bay leaf.

Taste and adjust the seasoning.

Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley.

Serve hot.

🇭🇺 What Are Pinch Noodles?

The little homemade noodles are sometimes known as csipetke, a traditional Hungarian egg noodle made by pinching tiny pieces of dough between the fingers.

They’re rustic, simple, and perfect for soups because they cook quickly and add a homemade touch.

Tips for the Best Zöldborsóleves

• Use fresh peas when they’re in season, or frozen peas for convenience.
• Keep the vegetables tender rather than overcooked.
• Don’t burn the paprika—add it away from direct high heat.
• Make the pinch noodles very small so they cook evenly.
• Add the noodles toward the end so they don’t become overly soft.
• Fresh parsley gives the finished soup a bright, traditional flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Hungarian pea soup with:

• Fresh crusty bread
• Homemade rolls
• Pickled vegetables
• A simple cucumber salad

It also makes a wonderful first course before a hearty Hungarian main dish such as chicken paprikash or goulash.

Recipe at a Glance

Cuisine: Hungarian 🇭🇺
Course: Soup
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Final Thoughts

Hungarian Green Pea Soup with Pinch Noodles is a beautiful example of simple home cooking. Sweet peas, tender vegetables, fragrant paprika, fresh parsley, and tiny homemade noodles create a bowl that’s comforting without being complicated.

🇭🇺💚 A traditional Hungarian soup that’s simple, cozy, and perfect for sharing with family.