3 Quintessential Hungarian Christmas recipes for the festive table

When it comes to Christmas, Hungary boasts a rich culinary heritage steeped in comforting and hearty festive flavours. Hungarian Christmas recipes often feature bold spices, rich textures, and a dedication to tradition that makes them stand out on any Christmas table. Whether it’s the robust notes of a warming soup, the slow-cooked perfection of a meaty main, or a showstopping dessert, these dishes bring a slice of Hungary’s holiday spirit to your kitchen. Here, we present three beloved Hungarian Christmas recipes: fisherman’s soup, stuffed cabbage rolls, and walnut beigli.

Hungarian fisherman’s soup (halászlé)

This vibrant, paprika-infused soup is a staple of Hungarian Christmas recipes, especially in regions near the Danube and Tisza rivers. The dish is simple yet full of depth, showcasing the country’s love for freshwater fish.

Ingredients:

– 1kg mixed freshwater fish (carp, catfish, perch), cleaned and filleted

– Fish heads, bones, and trimmings for the stock

– 1 large onion, finely chopped

– 2 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika

– 1 tbsp hot paprika (optional)

– 1 green bell pepper, chopped

– 1 tomato, diced

– Salt to taste

Method:

1. Start by making a rich fish stock. In a large pot, combine the fish heads, bones, trimmings, half the onion, and 2 litres of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 45 minutes. Strain, discarding the solids.

2. In a clean pot, sauté the remaining onion until soft. Add the sweet paprika, stirring quickly to avoid burning, and then pour in the fish stock.

3. Add the chopped bell pepper, tomato, and salt. Simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Finally, add the fish fillets and cook for 15 minutes, until tender. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Source: canva.com

Read more: 4 simply delicious Hungarian recipes with pálinka

Hungarian stuffed cabbage rolls (töltött káposzta)

Among Hungarian Christmas recipes, this dish is a classic, combining savoury meat, tangy sauerkraut, and aromatic spices. It’s traditionally made in large batches, perfect for feeding a festive crowd.

Ingredients:

– 12 large cabbage leaves, blanched

– 500g minced pork

– 100g smoked bacon, chopped

– 1 cup cooked rice

– 1 onion, finely chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika

– 1 tsp ground caraway seeds

– 1 egg, beaten

– 500g sauerkraut

– 1 litre tomato purée

– 1 cup sour cream (optional)

Method:

1. In a bowl, mix the minced pork, bacon, rice, onion, garlic, paprika, caraway seeds, and egg. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Place a heaped spoonful of the filling onto each cabbage leaf. Roll tightly, tucking in the sides.

3. Spread half the sauerkraut in the bottom of a large pot. Arrange the cabbage rolls on top, then cover with the remaining sauerkraut.

4. Pour over the tomato purée and enough water to just cover the rolls. Simmer gently for 1.5-2 hours.

5. Serve hot, topped with sour cream if desired.

Source: canva.com

Hungarian walnut beigli (diós bejgli)

No list of Hungarian Christmas recipes is complete without this much-loved sweet treat. A rich walnut filling is rolled into a sweet yeasted dough, creating a spiral of flavour in every slice.

Ingredients:

– 500g plain flour

– 250g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

– 50g icing sugar

– 20g fresh yeast (or 7g dried yeast)

– 100ml milk, lukewarm

– 2 egg yolks

– 300g ground walnuts

– 150g sugar

– 100ml milk

– 1 tsp vanilla extract

– Zest of 1 lemon

Method:

1. Prepare the dough by rubbing the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Dissolve the yeast in warm milk and mix into the flour with the sugar and egg yolks. Knead until smooth, then chill for an hour.

2. For the filling, heat the milk and sugar until dissolved. Stir in the walnuts, vanilla, and lemon zest. Cool.

3. Divide the dough into two. Roll each piece into a rectangle, spread with the walnut filling, and roll tightly. Place seam-side down on a baking tray.

4. Brush with beaten egg, chill for 30 minutes, then bake at 180°C (356°F) for 30-35 minutes, until golden.

5. Cool before slicing to reveal the intricate swirls.

Source: deposit.com

These three Hungarian Christmas recipes capture the essence of a traditional Hungarian festive meal, from the smoky richness of fisherman’s soup to the indulgence of walnut beigli. Whether you’re looking to experiment with something new or reconnect with your roots, trying out these Hungarian Christmas recipes is a delicious way to bring a taste of Hungary into your home this festive season.

Read more: Hungarian Christmas recipes part 2: Rákóczi’s cake with cottage cheese – Rákóczi túrós