Hungarian Green Bean Soup (Zöldbableves)

Ingredients:

• 500g green beans (fresh or frozen), trimmed
• 2 tbsp oil or butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 tsp Hungarian paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp dried dill (or fresh dill)
• 1 bay leaf
• 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth

Optional creamy version:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1–2 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pot and sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly.
2. Stir in paprika, then add green beans and carrot. Mix well.
3. Pour in broth, add bay leaf, dill, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until beans are tender.
5. (Optional) Mix sour cream with flour, then add a little hot soup to temper it. Stir back into the pot.
6. Add vinegar or lemon juice for a slight tang.
7. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.