Hearty and Comforting Mallow Soup (Auk Doenjang Guk) Recipe
How to Make Delicious Mallow Soup with Doenjang
Mallow soup is absolutely best when simmered with doenjang (fermented soybean paste). On a rainy day like today, I crave a warm and hearty bowl of Auk Doenjang Guk to fill my stomach with comfort. This soup is perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients- 1 bunch of fresh mallow (approx. 250-300g)
- 3 Tbsp doenjang (Korean fermented soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- Salt to taste
- A little bit of chopped green onion
- Rice water (ssaldumul) as needed
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Allow me to introduce our recipe today: Mallow Soup, also known as Auk Doenjang Guk. It’s a wonderfully savory and comforting soup, perfect for a chilly day or a rainy afternoon, especially when paired with a bowl of rice.
Step 2
The foundation of a delicious Auk Doenjang Guk begins with properly preparing the fresh mallow.
Step 3
Start by trimming and discarding any tough, fibrous stems from the mallow. Then, place the mallow in a bowl of cold running water and gently rub the leaves and stems with your hands to clean them thoroughly. Make sure to wash away any dirt or grit trapped between the leaves. Rinse it several times and drain excess water.
Step 4
The secret to a deep and savory broth lies in using rice water (ssaldumul). Pour about 5-6 cups (approx. 1 to 1.2 liters) of rice water into a pot. If you don’t have rice water, a broth made with anchovies and kelp would also work beautifully.
Step 5
In a separate bowl, take about 1 ladleful of the rice water and mix it with the 3 tablespoons of doenjang until it’s smoothly dissolved, ensuring there are no lumps. This step helps create a clearer and smoother soup.
Step 6
Once the rice water in the pot comes to a boil, add the prepared mallow and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, just until the mallow softens slightly, being careful not to overcook it into mush.
Step 7
After the mallow has cooked a bit, pour the dissolved doenjang mixture into the pot and stir well. Then, add a generous amount of chopped green onion. Bring the soup back to a gentle boil and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it’s well combined. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt or a little soy sauce if needed.
Step 8
And there you have it! Your hearty and comforting Auk Doenjang Guk is ready. Just looking at the steam rising from the warm bowl makes you feel satisfied, doesn’t it?
Step 9
Enjoy a satisfying meal with this piping hot and comforting Auk Doenjang Guk that warms you from the inside out. It’s a dish the whole family will love, so bring this delightful soup to your table!
