Catfish Fisherman's Soup with Matchstick Pasta (Baja Style)

Name: Catfish Fisherman's Soup with Matchstick Pasta (Baja Style)
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 600 g Yellow onions, large, finely chopped; 3 tbsp Sweet Hungarian paprika powder; 1.5 tsp Hot Hungarian paprika powder (to taste); 2.5 l Water; 2.5 tsp Salt (to taste); 200 g Matchstick pasta

Difficulty

medium

Time

1h 40m

Price Category

average

Calories

Medium

Baja-style fisherman's soup is a true Hungarian classic, a gastronomic pride of the Danube-side city of Baja. This recipe focuses on catfish, served with a rich, paprika-infused flavor and the characteristic matchstick pasta. The secret lies in slow cooking and high-quality paprika, which gives the soup a deep, complex taste. It's a perfect choice for family lunches or festive occasions when you crave something truly special.

ingredients

4 Servings

600 g Yellow onions, large, finely chopped3 tbsp Sweet Hungarian paprika powder1.5 tsp Hot Hungarian paprika powder (to taste)2.5 l Water2.5 tsp Salt (to taste)200 g Matchstick pasta

Steps

Prepare Onions

Sauté the finely chopped yellow onions in a large pot with a little oil (or lard for a more traditional flavor). Cook covered over low heat for at least 20-25 minutes until they are completely translucent and soft, almost dissolved. This step is crucial for the base of Baja-style fisherman's soup.

Add Paprika

Remove the pot from the heat and add the sweet and hot paprika powder. Stir quickly to prevent the paprika from burning, then immediately pour in 1-2 dl of cold water. This helps preserve the color and flavor of the paprika. Return the pot to the heat and bring to a boil.

Add Fish & Cook

Add the cubed catfish fillets and salt. Pour in enough water to generously cover the fish (about 2.5 liters). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 40-50 minutes. Do not stir; instead, gently shake the pot occasionally to keep the fish pieces intact.

Cook Pasta & Serve

While the soup is simmering, cook the matchstick pasta in a separate pot of salted water until al dente. Drain well. To serve, ladle the hot fisherman's soup into bowls, add some cooked matchstick pasta, and offer fresh bread, and optionally, hot peppers.

Extra Tips

► Use high-quality, fresh Hungarian paprika, as it's the true soul of the fisherman's soup.

► Avoid stirring the soup too much after adding the fish to prevent the pieces from breaking apart.

► Serve with fresh hot peppers for those who enjoy an extra spicy kick.

Nutrition

	Per 100g	Per Serving 300g
Calories	140 kcal	420 kcal
Protein	12g	36g
Fat	8g	24g
Carbohydrate	6g	18g
Fiber	1g	3g
Sugar	2g	6g