Heat the oil or lard in a large heavy pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 5–7 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the Hungarian paprika.
Add the meat, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper. Return the pot to medium heat and cook for several minutes, stirring until the meat is lightly browned and coated with the paprika mixture.
2. Simmer the Meat
Pour in the broth and add the bay leaf.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for approximately 45–60 minutes, or until the meat is tender.
3. Add the Vegetables
Add the diced potatoes and green beans.
Continue simmering for 20–25 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the green beans are cooked but still have some texture.
4. Make the Sour Cream Mixture
In a bowl, whisk the sour cream and flour until smooth.
Slowly whisk in a ladleful of the hot soup to warm the mixture gradually.
Pour the sour cream mixture back into the pot while stirring gently.
Cook for another 5–8 minutes over low heat. Avoid vigorous boiling after adding the sour cream.
5. Finish the Soup
Stir in the fresh dill and, if desired, a small amount of lemon juice to balance the richness.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Ladle the hot Palócleves into bowls and serve with a spoonful of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill.
A slice of crusty bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up the flavorful broth.
Tips for the Best Palócleves
Don’t burn the paprika. Remove the pot from the heat briefly before adding it.
Pork shoulder or lamb works particularly well because it becomes tender during slow cooking.
Keep the green beans slightly firm rather than cooking them until mushy.
Temper the sour cream before adding it to the soup for a smooth, creamy texture.
Fresh dill gives the soup its characteristic finishing flavor.
Palócleves is a wonderful Hungarian comfort soup—tender meat, potatoes, green beans, paprika, and creamy sour cream come together in one deeply flavorful bowl.
