Savory Korean Lettuce (Eolgari) Soybean Paste Soup
Simple yet Rich Eolgari Lettuce Soybean Paste Soup
As the crisp autumn air arrives, why not try this simple yet deeply flavorful Eolgari lettuce soybean paste soup? It’s wonderfully comforting! ^^
Ingredients- 3 heads of Eolgari lettuce
- 5 dried anchovies for broth
- 1 sheet (10cm x 10cm) dried kelp
- 2 Tbsp soybean paste (Doenjang)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce (Gukganjang)
- 7 cups water
- Red chili pepper (for garnish)
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s make a delicious anchovy and kelp broth. In a pot, combine 7 cups of water with 5 dried anchovies (gutted and cleaned) and 1 sheet of kelp (about 10cm x 10cm). Bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove the kelp immediately to prevent a bitter taste. Continue to boil the anchovies for another 5-7 minutes to extract their flavor, then strain the broth, discarding the anchovies.
Step 2
Now, we’ll dissolve the soybean paste into this flavorful broth. While the broth is still hot, place 2 tablespoons of soybean paste into a fine-mesh sieve and gently stir it into the broth until fully dissolved. Ensure there are no lumps.
Step 3
It’s time to add the star ingredient: Eolgari lettuce! Wash the lettuce thoroughly under cold running water multiple times. Trim the tough ends and cut the lettuce into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm long. Add the prepared lettuce to the broth with the dissolved soybean paste. Cook until the lettuce wilts and becomes tender. You can add a pinch of salt at this stage to season the base, if desired.
Step 4
Once the Eolgari lettuce is tender, it’s time to add the aromatic minced garlic. Stir in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Let it simmer for another minute or two to allow the garlic’s fragrance to infuse the soup.
Step 5
Finally, let’s perfect the seasoning. Add 1 tablespoon of soup soy sauce for an added layer of umami. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. The soup is ready when the lettuce is tender and the broth is rich and savory.
Step 6
Ladle the hot Eolgari lettuce soybean paste soup into serving bowls. For a touch of color and visual appeal, garnish with thinly sliced red chili pepper. Enjoy this wonderfully satisfying and delicious soup that’s perfect with a bowl of rice!
