Chickpea Doenjang Jjigae: A Hearty Soybean Paste Stew with a Creamy Twist
Enjoy a rich and savory Doenjang Jjigae, enhanced with the delightful texture of chickpeas!
Tired of the same old Doenjang Jjigae? This recipe offers a unique twist by incorporating cooked chickpeas, adding a subtle sweetness and wonderfully soft texture to the traditional savory broth. The chickpeas beautifully complement the deep, fermented flavor of the doenjang, making this stew incredibly addictive and satisfying. It’s the perfect companion to a bowl of warm rice and will surely become a new favorite!
Ingredients
- 1.5 Tbsp homemade Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- A small piece of radish (for clear flavor)
- 1/3 zucchini
- 1 onion
- 1/2 block firm tofu
- 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas
- 2 kombu coins (or pieces of dried kelp)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
In a pot, add water and 2 kombu coins (or pieces of dried kelp) to make a broth. Once the water starts boiling, dissolve 1.5 Tbsp of homemade doenjang through a fine-mesh sieve into the pot. Add the roughly chopped radish and boil vigorously until the radish becomes translucent and tender, allowing the flavors to deepen.
Step 2
Prepare the tofu and vegetables for the stew. Cut the tofu into approximately 1.5cm cubes. Slice the zucchini into half-moons or cubes of similar size. Chop the onion into thick slices or cubes. Cutting all ingredients into uniform sizes ensures they cook evenly and look appealing in the stew.
Step 3
Once the doenjang broth is boiling and the radish is tender, add the prepared tofu, zucchini, and onion to the pot. Bring the stew back to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cooking at a low heat prevents the vegetables from becoming mushy and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4
Finally, add the 1/2 cup of cooked chickpeas and 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic. Since the chickpeas are already cooked, they only need to simmer for a short time to absorb the flavors of the stew. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more doenjang or a pinch of salt. Your delicious Chickpea Doenjang Jjigae is ready! Serve hot with a bowl of rice for a comforting meal.
