Bright color, bold flavor, minimal fuss. If you love paprika, this is your moment. We are making Halaszle, the Hungarian fisherman's soup that tastes like a riverbank cookout and looks like a celebration.
This is a classic across Hungary, especially along the Tisza River, and it is not shy about what makes it special: a generous hit of sweet paprika and a proper mix of freshwater fish. The result stays light yet filling, rich in protein and useful micronutrients, with that deep red color and heady aroma that says dinner just turned into an event.
What you need
- River fish (carp, pike, or catfish) - 600 g
- Potatoes - 3 medium (about 300 g)
- Onions - 2 (about 150 g)
- Carrot - 1 (about 100 g)
- Sweet paprika, ground - 2 tbsp
- Garlic - 2 cloves
- Tomato paste - 1 tbsp
- Vegetable oil - 2 tbsp
- Water - 1.5 liters
- Salt and a pinch of ground black pepper
- Fresh dill - a few sprigs for serving
How to make it
Prep the fish first. Clean it, remove the gills and innards, rinse well, and cut into large pieces. Keep the head, tail, and fins if you want a deeper-tasting broth.
Build your base. Finely chop the onions and grate the carrot on the coarse side. Warm the oil in a deep pot, cook the onions until translucent, then add the carrot and the paprika. Stir thoroughly so the paprika coats everything and toast it for 2 to 3 minutes. This quick toasting is the flavor key here, so mind the heat and avoid scorching.
Stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic and let them warm for about a minute. Pour in the 1.5 liters of water, bring it to a boil, and slide in the fish pieces. Simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, skimming any foam as it rises.
Peel and cube the potatoes, add them to the pot, and cook for another 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Take the pot off the heat, cover, and let the soup rest for 10 minutes. Ladle it hot, shower with chopped dill, and serve with fresh bread or flatbreads. It is simple, vibrant, and the kind of dish that makes the table go quiet for a minute.