Making Hungarian Mushroom Soup is both simple and rewarding. Follow these steps for an incredible soup:

1. Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Onions: Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Add Mushrooms: Incorporate the sliced mushrooms into the pot. Cook until they release their moisture and soften, about 8 minutes.
5. Season: Sprinkle in the paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
6. Liquid Ingredients: Add the soy sauce and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
8. Finish with Cream: Stir in the sour cream or heavy cream and the lemon juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.
9. Blend (optional): If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup, but be careful to leave some chunks for texture.
10. Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

This step-by-step guide ensures you’ll create a flavorful bowl of Hungarian Mushroom Soup!