Spring Delight: Gentle Tofu and Sobaekjeong Stew for Babies
Baby’s First Soup: Fragrant Sobaekjeong and Soft Tofu Stew (Spring Seasonal Recipe)
Experience the delicate flavors of spring with this mild and comforting tofu stew, enhanced with fresh sobaekjeong (Japanese woodruff). Perfectly seasoned for your little one, this stew is ideal as a nourishing soup for babies transitioning to solid foods and beyond. Its gentle taste makes it a wonderful addition to your family’s meal rotation.
Ingredients
- 1 pack soft tofu (extra-soft tofu for babies is recommended)
- 300ml dried pollack broth (anchovy-kelp broth or vegetable broth can be used)
- 38g enoki mushrooms (trim the base and separate the strands)
- 33g zucchini (remove seeds and slice thinly into bite-sized pieces)
- 30g sobaekjeong (about a handful), washed thoroughly, roots cleaned, and rinsed multiple times
- Pinch of baby salt (to taste, use baby-specific salt)
- Small amount of green onion (thinly sliced white parts, optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by thoroughly washing all your vegetables. Trim the base of the enoki mushrooms and separate them into strands. For the zucchini, remove the seedy core and slice it thinly into pieces that are easy for your baby to chew. Sobaekjeong, a star of spring greens, may have dirt near the roots, so ensure it’s meticulously cleaned. Rinse it under running water several times to remove any soil or debris. Then, chop it into manageable pieces, about 1-2 cm in length.
Step 2
Pour the warm dried pollack broth (300ml) into a pot. Add the sliced zucchini first. Cooking the zucchini initially will help create a smoother, more refined broth base.
Step 3
Once the zucchini begins to turn translucent and slightly tender, gently add the entire pack of soft tofu. Break it into large chunks with a spoon. Avoid over-stirring to keep the tofu pieces somewhat intact.
Step 4
Now it’s time to introduce the aromatic sobaekjeong. Add the prepared sobaekjeong to the pot. Season with a very small amount of baby salt, adjusting to your baby’s preference. When first introducing salt to your baby’s diet, be extra cautious and add it incrementally while tasting.
Step 5
Simmer over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the distinctive, fragrant flavor of the sobaekjeong to infuse into the broth. Keep the heat gentle; high heat can cause the delicate aroma of the sobaekjeong to dissipate.
Step 6
Finally, add the enoki mushrooms and thinly sliced green onions. Cook for another minute or so until the enoki mushrooms are tender. Turn off the heat to complete your delicious baby sobaekjeong and tofu stew. Serve warm and enjoy!
