Heartwarming and Satisfying Seollal Mandu-guk (Korean Dumpling Soup)
[Contest Entry] A Special Taste for a Beautiful Moment with Family on New Year’s Morning: Seollal Mandu-guk
In 2024, we’ll continue to create many joyful cooking stories with our family. This dish was made to share happiness with a special Seollal (Korean New Year’s Day) morning treat: Mandu-guk, a comforting Korean dumpling soup.
Key Ingredients- 100g Garae-tteok (rice cake slices for soup, rinsed in cold water)
- 10 pieces of homemade or store-bought dumplings
- Generous amount of green onion (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon black pepper powder
- 2 bouillon cubes (or clear broth base)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Introducing Seollal Mandu-guk, a delightful soup perfect for welcoming the New Year with loved ones. This comforting dish features a clear, savory broth filled with chewy rice cakes and flavorful dumplings, making for a wonderfully satisfying meal.
Step 2
First, pour 4 cups (800ml) of water into a pot. Add 2 bouillon cubes to the water and bring it to a rolling boil. (Alternatively, you can make your own broth using dried kelp and anchovies for a richer flavor.) Once the water is boiling vigorously, get ready to add the next ingredients.
Step 3
As the water begins to boil again, add 100g of garae-tteok (rice cake slices for soup). Cook until the rice cakes are tender. It’s a good idea to stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Once the rice cakes start to float, carefully add the 10 dumplings. Add them gently to avoid breaking the wrappers.
Step 4
Once the dumplings begin to cook, add a generous amount of chopped green onion. The fresh, crisp aroma of the green onion will add depth and enhance the broth’s flavor. Feel free to add mushrooms or other vegetables according to your preference.
Step 5
Now it’s time to season the soup. Sprinkle in some black pepper powder for added aroma and taste. Adjust the seasoning with salt to your liking. When tasting, always use a spoon to sample the broth and add salt incrementally if needed.
Step 6
Ladle the soup into serving bowls. For a beautiful presentation, top with julienned egg garnish and a sprinkle of roasted seaweed flakes. This touch will make your homemade Mandu-guk look even more special.
Step 7
Your steaming hot Seollal Mandu-guk is now ready! We hope you and your beloved family enjoy this delicious and comforting soup, wishing you a New Year filled with happiness.
