Sesame Seed and Dumpling Soup
How to Make Hearty Sesame Seed and Dumpling Soup
The chewy handmade dumplings combined with a rich, savory broth infused with perilla seeds create an incredibly delicious and refreshing soup! It’s a truly satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of year.
Dumpling Dough
- 300g all-purpose flour (about 3 paper cups)
- 170ml water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s make the dumpling dough. In a bowl, combine 300g of flour (about 3 paper cups) and gradually add 170ml of water, stirring with a spoon until it starts to come together. Once it’s roughly mixed, knead it with your hands until it forms a smooth, soft, and pliable dough. (You may need to adjust the water amount slightly depending on the flour’s absorption.)
Step 2
Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for a while. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, resulting in chewier dumplings.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare a flavorful anchovy broth. In a pot, combine 2L of water with the dried anchovies and dried shiitake mushrooms. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes to extract the deep flavors.
Step 4
Once the broth has developed a rich flavor, remove and discard the anchovies and shiitake mushrooms. (The shiitake mushrooms will be sliced and added back later for texture.)
Step 5
Slice the removed shiitake mushrooms thinly. Remove the tough stems and slice the caps. These will add a wonderful chewy texture and umami to the soup.
Step 6
Lightly rehydrate the seaweed in cold water for a short period, then rinse it well, squeeze out excess water, and chop it finely. Over-soaking can make it mushy, so a brief soak is best. (Seaweed is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.)
Step 7
Peel the potatoes and cut them into large cubes. Slice the zucchini into similarly sized pieces, and cut the onion into large chunks. Avoid cutting the vegetables too small, as they can become mushy during cooking.
Step 8
Slice the green onion diagonally. Julienne the carrot. Clean and devein the shrimp by removing the heads and shells. (Feel free to substitute shrimp with other seafood like squid, clams, or mussels – they all work wonderfully!)
Step 9
Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and 1 Tbsp of salt (level) to the anchovy broth. Stir to combine and season the broth. This is a crucial step for building the soup’s foundational flavor, so taste and adjust if needed.
Step 10
When the broth comes to a rolling boil, add the cubed potatoes. Once the potatoes are partially tender, dip your hands in water and thinly tear pieces of the rested dough directly into the simmering soup. Reduce the heat to low to prevent the dumplings from sticking together.
Step 11
While you are adding the dumplings, toss in the large chunks of onion. The natural sweetness of the onions will infuse into the broth.
Step 12
After all the dumpling pieces have been added, include the sliced zucchini and the prepared shrimp. As the seafood cooks, it will release its juices, making the broth even more flavorful and refreshing.
Step 13
As the soup simmers, the liquid may reduce, potentially making it too salty. When the soup is boiling vigorously again, add another 200ml of water to adjust the consistency and saltiness.
Step 14
Once the soup returns to a rolling boil, stir in the 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic. The garlic adds a layer of aromatic depth and a clean finish to the broth.
Step 15
Skim off any foam or scum that rises to the surface during cooking. This helps to ensure a clear and clean-tasting broth.
Step 16
Add the julienned carrots. These will add a pop of color and extra nutrients to the dish.
Step 17
Finally, add the diagonally sliced green onions and simmer for another moment. The fresh aroma of the green onions will enhance the overall flavor profile.
Step 18
Stir in the 7 Tbsp of perilla seed powder and mix well until evenly incorporated. Your hearty and savory Sesame Seed and Dumpling Soup is now complete! You can adjust the amount of perilla seed powder to your preference for the perfect nutty flavor. Enjoy this comforting and delicious soup while it’s hot!
