Savory and Refreshing Spinach Miso Soup (Sigeumchi Doenjangguk)
How to Make Delicious Winter Spinach Miso Soup
Spinach, which is in season during winter, has a naturally cooling property, making it best to enjoy specifically during this time. It’s when spinach is most flavorful and packed with nutrients. This winter spinach miso soup offers a deep, refreshing taste superior to any other soup, perfect for warming you up on a chilly day.
Broth Ingredients
- Dried Anchovy Broth Cube (Dipoori) 1 piece
- Dried Anchovies (for broth) 3 pieces
- Dried Kelp 1 sheet (approx. 10×10 cm)
- Water 4-5 cups (800ml – 1000ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s start by making the broth, which is the foundation of this delicious miso soup. In a pot, add 4-5 cups of water, 1 Dried Anchovy Broth Cube (Dipoori), 3 Dried Anchovies for broth, and 1 sheet of Dried Kelp. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let it gently boil for about 20 minutes with the lid off. Remove the kelp as soon as the water starts boiling to prevent a bitter taste. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface for a cleaner broth.
Step 2
While the broth is simmering, thoroughly wash and prepare the spinach. Remove any yellowed or wilted leaves and wash it multiple times under running water to ensure all soil is removed. Trim it into bite-sized pieces, about 5cm long.
Step 3
Strain the flavorful broth through a sieve, discarding the solids to get a clear liquid. Pour the clear broth back into the pot, add 1 tablespoon of Doenjang (Korean soybean paste), and gently stir to dissolve any clumps. Lower the heat to low and dissolve it slowly to prevent the paste from clumping.
Step 4
Once the broth with dissolved Doenjang starts to boil, add all the prepared spinach and cook. Spinach can become mushy and lose nutrients if overcooked, so aim to cook it just until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5
Finally, thinly slice 1 Cheongyang pepper and add it to the soup. Let it simmer briefly, and your delicious winter spinach miso soup is ready! If you enjoy a spicier kick, feel free to adjust the amount of pepper, or add a little red pepper for color. Enjoy this soup while it’s warm for a comforting and refreshing meal that will fill your senses.
