Chard Soybean Paste Stew: A Fresh and Healthy Delight
Chard Soybean Paste Stew: A Fresh and Healthy Delight
How to Make Delicious Chard Soybean Paste Stew, from Preparing Chard to Cooking Tips
Today, I’m sharing a recipe for ‘Chard Soybean Paste Stew,’ perfect for invigorating your spirit and combating the languor of the season! Chard, which looks similar to spinach but is much larger and more abundant, is a precious ingredient in traditional Korean cuisine. It’s rich in vitamins and essential amino acids, making it excellent for the growth of children and boosting immunity. Especially in times when health management is crucial, this stew is a must-have on our dining table. While its peak season is from June to August, you can still find large, fresh chard now, perfect for making delicious soup. The savory and deep soybean paste broth, combined with tender chard, fresh clams, and mild tofu, is ideal for whetting your appetite during seasonal changes. I’ll guide you through the simple and detailed chard preparation and cooking secrets for a perfect stew!
Main Ingredients- 100g fresh chard
- 10cm white part of leek
- 1 red chili pepper (for color and mild spiciness)
- 100g clams (purged of sand)
- 160g tofu (1/2 block)
Broth Seasoning- 2 Tbsp soybean paste (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 Tbsp anchovy sauce or soy sauce for soup (for umami)
- 4 cups anchovy-kelp broth or rice water (approx. 800ml)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp soybean paste (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 Tbsp anchovy sauce or soy sauce for soup (for umami)
- 4 cups anchovy-kelp broth or rice water (approx. 800ml)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, separate and prepare the chard stems and leaves. Wash the fresh chard thoroughly under running water. The leaves will be used to create a tender texture in the soup, while the stems will offer a pleasant chewiness. Chard stems can sometimes have tough fibers on the outside. To remove them, gently bend the stem end backward and pull to peel off the coarse fibrous layer. If the chard stems are particularly tough, you can use only the leaves or remove the fibers more meticulously. The chard I’m using today is very tender, so I’ll be using the stems as well. Cut the leaves and stems into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2
After preparing, rinse the chard again under running water, gently shaking to remove any remaining dirt or debris. You can wash the leaves and stems separately or after cutting them into 2-3 cm pieces. Once clean, the chard is ready to be added to the soup.
Step 3
Pour 4 cups of anchovy-kelp broth (or rice water) into a pot. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of soybean paste into the broth. It’s best to strain the soybean paste through a sieve and dissolve it with a spoon for a cleaner, smoother broth. Once the broth begins to boil, add the prepared chard stems first. Cook until the stems become tender.
Step 4
When the chard stems are slightly tender, add the purged clams and cubed tofu. Clams can become tough if overcooked, so it’s best to add them around the time the soup starts boiling. The clams will open up and release their sweet, briny flavor into the broth.
Step 5
Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed with salt, soy sauce for soup, or anchovy sauce. I added 1 tablespoon of anchovy sauce for extra umami and depth. If you prefer a spicier broth, you can add about 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
Step 6
Once the clams have opened and the tofu is tender, add the chard leaves and sliced red chili pepper. Chard leaves cook very quickly, so don’t overcook them. The red chili pepper adds color and a hint of spiciness, balancing the overall flavor of the soup.
Step 7
After everything simmers together for a bit longer, your delicious Chard Soybean Paste Stew is ready! The savory yet refreshing broth, tender chard, chewy clams, and mild tofu create a wonderful harmony. Even those trying it for the first time will surely be captivated by its charm.
Step 8
Chard is known for its benefits in skin care and weight management. Its high water and fiber content promote satiety, while its rich minerals aid digestion and improve blood circulation. The abundance of Vitamin A can also be beneficial for night vision. Furthermore, it contains essential amino acids like lysine, phenylalanine, and leucine, making it an excellent vegetable for promoting growth in children.
Step 9
As a food beneficial for growth, chard is great for children. Its low calorie count also makes it a perfect choice for a diet. Enjoy this nourishing Chard Soybean Paste Stew regularly to support the health of your entire family.
Step 10
Did you know that chard is an important ingredient in traditional Korean home cooking? Cooking this Chard Soybean Paste Stew made me learn more about its health benefits and culinary uses. From now on, I’ll make sure to incorporate it more often when it’s in season!
