Authentic Transylvanian Lettuce Soup (Saláta Leves)

Transylvanian Lettuce Soup Served in the Bowl With Sour Cream on Top

Authentic Transylvanian Lettuce Soup (Saláta Leves)

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Soups

Cuisine: Hungarian, Transylvanian

Diet: Low Lactose

Keyword: cooked lettuce recipe, lettuce soup, lettuce soup recipe, romaine lettuce soup, romaine lettuce soup recipe, saláta leves, transylvanian soup

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 25

Total Time: 35

Servings: portions

Calories: 155kcal

Author: Timea

A traditional Hungarian-style Romaine lettuce soup featuring a smoky bacon omelette, garlic-infused roux, and a tangy sour cream finish. A Transylvanian comfort classic!

Print Recipe

Metrics - US Customary

Equipment

1 Soup Pot
1 Frying Pan

Ingredients

2 pcs romaine lettuce large or butterhead lettuce
200 g smoked bacon or pancetta
4 pcs eggs free range
3 cloves garlic chopped
2 tablespoon sea salt kosher
1 teaspoon vegetable mix for soups
1 tablespoon paprika sweet, Hungarian
3 tablespoon wheat flour
1 bunch dill chopped
50 ml sunflower oil
2 tablespoon sugar
50 ml vinegar white

Instructions

Prep: Wash the romaine leaves thoroughly. Cut into 2cm ribbons. Mince garlic and chop the dill.
Roux: Heat sunflower oil in a soup pot. Add flour and stir constantly until yellowish.
Season: Add sweet paprika to the roux with a splash of water to prevent burning. Stir for 1 minute.
Wilt: Add the lettuce ribbons into the roux. Stir to coat the leaves.
Simmer: Pour in 2 liters of water. Add minced garlic, sea salt, sugar, vegetable mix, and vinegar. Simmer for 20 minutes on medium heat.
Omelette: While soup simmers, fry diced bacon in a separate pan until crispy. Pour beaten eggs over bacon to make an omelette.
Finish: Slice the bacon-omelette into pieces and add to the soup with the fresh dill. Boil for 2 minutes.
Serve: Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream on top.

Video

Notes

For the most authentic taste, use Hungarian smoked bacon (Szalonna).
If you are in the UK, Romaine lettuce is the best substitute for traditional butterhead lettuce as it maintains a slight crunch when cooked.
Always temper your sour cream before adding it to the pot to ensure a silky, lump-free texture.

Nutrition