This comforting Hungarian Semolina Dumpling Soup, known as Grízgaluska Leves, is a classic homemade soup featuring light, tender semolina dumplings simmered in a flavorful broth with carrots, parsley, and other vegetables.
It’s simple, inexpensive, and wonderfully comforting—perfect as a starter or a light family meal.
🇭🇺 Hungarian Semolina Dumpling Soup
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30–35 minutes
Total Time
45–50 minutes
Servings
4–6
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 8 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 small parsnip, peeled and sliced
- 1 small onion, peeled
- 1 small celery root or 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1–2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter or vegetable oil
For the Semolina Dumplings
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup fine semolina
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Soup
Heat the butter or oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, parsnip, and celery.
Cook for about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add the salt and black pepper.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are nearly tender.
2. Make the Dumpling Mixture
While the soup is cooking, whisk the eggs in a bowl.
Add the melted butter and salt, then gradually stir in the semolina until you have a thick, soft mixture.
Add chopped parsley if desired.
Let the mixture rest for 10–15 minutes. This is important because the semolina needs time to absorb the moisture.
3. Shape the Dumplings
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
Using a teaspoon dipped in hot water, scoop small portions of the semolina mixture and carefully drop them into the soup.
The dumplings will expand as they cook, so avoid making them too large.
4. Cook the Dumplings
Cover the pot and simmer gently for approximately 10–15 minutes.
Avoid vigorously boiling the soup, as gentle cooking helps keep the dumplings soft and tender.
The dumplings are ready when they have expanded and are soft all the way through.
5. Finish and Serve
Taste the broth and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley.
Serve the soup hot with crusty bread on the side.
⭐ Tips for Perfect Hungarian Dumplings
Let the mixture rest.
Giving the semolina mixture 10–15 minutes to rest helps produce better-textured dumplings.
Don’t make the dumplings too large.
They expand considerably during cooking.
Keep the soup at a gentle simmer.
A rolling boil can make the dumplings break apart or become tough.
Want softer dumplings?
Add a little less semolina and allow the mixture to rest before cooking.
Want firmer dumplings?
Add a little more semolina, but do so gradually. Too much can make them dense.
🍲 What Is Grízgaluska?
Grízgaluska are traditional Hungarian semolina dumplings. They are especially popular in clear soups and are often made with eggs and fine semolina.
Hungarian families have their own preferred method for making them—some like them very soft and fluffy, while others prefer a slightly firmer texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup with:
- Fresh parsley
- Crusty Hungarian-style bread
- Pickles on the side
- A simple cucumber salad
- Homemade noodles or additional vegetables
It makes a wonderful first course before a traditional Hungarian main dish.
Storage
Allow leftover soup to cool and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
The dumplings will continue absorbing broth as they sit, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.
Reheat gently on the stovetop until hot.
🇭🇺 Final Thoughts
This Hungarian Semolina Dumpling Soup (Grízgaluska Leves) is one of those recipes that proves simple ingredients can create something incredibly comforting. The delicate dumplings, flavorful broth, tender vegetables, and fresh parsley make it a perfect traditional Hungarian soup for a cozy family dinner.
If you love traditional Hungarian food, save this recipe and share it with someone who would enjoy a warm bowl of homemade soup!
