Clear and Deep Flavor! How to Make Potato and Dried Pollack Soup
Clear and Deep Flavor! How to Make Potato and Dried Pollack Soup
The Best for the Changing Seasons! A Recipe for Refreshing Dried Pollack Soup with Potatoes and Wood Ear Mushrooms. (We’ll also explain the difference between dried pollack and dried bonito!)
On weekend mornings, when you crave a warm and refreshing soup to help you recover from a night out, the best dish that comes to mind is dried pollack soup. It’s a perfect hangover cure that soothes your stomach comfortably, and it’s also a hearty soup that even children love, so we often make it. Adding tender potatoes and chewy wood ear mushrooms makes the taste and texture even richer, creating a wonderful meal that the whole family can enjoy. Let us show you how to make this simple yet deeply flavorful dried pollack soup!
Main Ingredients- Dried Pollack (Bugeo) 3 handfuls (torn by hand)
- Potatoes 3 (medium-sized)
- Onion 1/2
- Green Onion 1 stalk
- Bean Sprouts 2 handfuls
- Dried Wood Ear Mushrooms 1 handful (soaked beforehand)
Seasoning and Broth- Minced Garlic 1 Tbsp
- Anchovy Fish Sauce 3 Tbsp (for broth)
- Tuna Fish Sauce 1 Tbsp
- Salt or Korean Soup Soy Sauce, to taste
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp
- Pepper, a pinch
- Water 1.4 liters (approx. 7 cups)
- Minced Garlic 1 Tbsp
- Anchovy Fish Sauce 3 Tbsp (for broth)
- Tuna Fish Sauce 1 Tbsp
- Salt or Korean Soup Soy Sauce, to taste
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp
- Pepper, a pinch
- Water 1.4 liters (approx. 7 cups)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the dried pollack. If it’s too long, cut it into bite-sized pieces (about 5cm) with scissors. Gently feel for any tough bones and remove them with scissors. Lightly moisten the dried pollack with a little cold water, gently knead it, and then squeeze out the excess water. This will make the soup clearer.
Step 2
Peel the potatoes, cut them in half, and then slice them into bite-sized pieces (about 1.5cm thick) for easy eating. Peel the onion and slice it thinly into half-moons.
Step 3
Wash the green onion thoroughly, separate the white and green parts, and then slice them diagonally on an angle. (Reserve some of the green parts for garnish later.)
Step 4
Rinse the bean sprouts under running water and drain them. Bean sprouts will add a refreshing taste to the soup.
Step 5
Soak the dried wood ear mushrooms in lukewarm water for about 15-20 minutes until they are soft. After soaking, rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any debris, and then slice them into manageable pieces.
Step 6
Now, let’s start cooking the soup! Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a pot over medium-low heat. Add the squeezed dried pollack and stir-fry until lightly browned. Stir-frying the dried pollack sufficiently will make the soup’s flavor much deeper and more savory.
Step 7
Once the dried pollack is sautéed, add 1.4 liters (about 7 cups) of water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface while boiling to make the soup clearer.
Step 8
When the water starts boiling, add the sliced potatoes. Cook over medium heat until the potatoes become translucent.
Step 9
Once the potatoes are partially cooked, add the rinsed bean sprouts and sliced onions. At this point, try not to boil for too long to prevent the soup from becoming cloudy.
Step 10
When the soup comes to a rolling boil again, add the soaked and sliced wood ear mushrooms and the green parts of the green onions. Add the wood ear mushrooms at the end, as they can become mushy if overcooked.
Step 11
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to enhance the soup’s aroma and flavor.
Step 12
Add 3 tablespoons of anchovy fish sauce to bring out the umami. Anchovy fish sauce is a secret ingredient that makes the soup refreshing and deep.
Step 13
Add another 1 tablespoon of tuna fish sauce. Now, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with a little Korean soup soy sauce or salt if needed. After adjusting the taste, turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 14
Ladle the well-cooked potato and dried pollack soup into bowls. Before serving, sprinkle a pinch of pepper for an added spicy aroma, making it even more delicious. Complete a healthy meal with this refreshing and hearty dried pollack soup!
