Savory Napa Cabbage Stem Soup with Doenjang (Fermented Soybean Paste)
A Hearty and Refreshing Napa Cabbage Stem Soup, Perfect for Any Season
This recipe utilizes the outer leaves of Napa cabbage, often left over after making kimchi, to create a delicious and comforting soup. It’s a wonderful way to reduce waste and enjoy a deeply flavorful dish.
Main Ingredients
- Napa cabbage stems (or similar greens like sigeumchi) – 1 handful
- Radish – 1/4 medium
- Green onion – 1/2 stalk
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the Napa cabbage stems thoroughly. If using dried stems, soak them in water until softened. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the cabbage stems, and blanch for about 5-10 minutes until tender. If your stems are already soft, you can skip or shorten this blanching step.
Step 2
Drain the blanched stems, squeeze out excess water, and cut them into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch wide). In a bowl, mix the cut stems with 2 tablespoons of doenjang. Gently massage the paste into the stems to marinate; this helps the flavor penetrate deeply into the cabbage.
Step 3
Pour 5-6 cups of anchovy and kelp broth into a pot. Add the marinated cabbage stems. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or until the cabbage stems are very tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavor will be extracted into the broth.
Step 4
Peel the radish and slice it thinly into half-moon shapes. Once the cabbage stems are tender, add the sliced radish to the pot and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the radish becomes translucent.
Step 5
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more doenjang as needed. Doenjang brands vary in saltiness, so add gradually to avoid making the soup too salty. You can also add a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of salt if necessary.
Step 6
Finally, add the chopped green onions and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Simmer for another minute or two until the flavors meld together. The aroma of green onion and garlic will enhance the soup’s deliciousness.
Step 7
Your flavorful Napa cabbage stem soup with doenjang is ready! This hearty and comforting soup is perfect served with a bowl of rice for a satisfying meal. Enjoy the warmth and deep flavors.
