Grandma’s Comforting Zucchini Leaf Soybean Paste Soup
A Taste of Nostalgia: Heartwarming Zucchini Leaf Soybean Paste Soup
Seeing fresh zucchini leaves at the market brought back fond memories of my mother preparing this soup in our garden when I was a child. This zucchini leaf soybean paste soup captures that heartwarming taste of home. Its mild yet savory broth, combined with the tender zucchini leaves, is incredibly appetizing and makes for a satisfying meal. It’s a healthy and comforting soup that’s easy to make for the whole family to enjoy.
Zucchini Leaf Soybean Paste Soup Recipe ▶ Ingredients:
- 1 pack fresh zucchini leaves (approx. 300g)
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1 red chili pepper
- 4 cups anchovy-kelp broth (approx. 800ml)
- 1.5 Tbsp soybean paste (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gently peel the rough outer skin from the fresh zucchini leaves. Remove any tough stems to ensure a tender texture.
Step 2
Rinse the peeled zucchini leaves thoroughly under running water 2-3 times to remove any dirt or debris. Be gentle to avoid damaging the leaves.
Step 3
Tear the washed zucchini leaves into bite-sized pieces (about 3-4 cm) by hand. Tearing them rather than cutting allows for a more pleasant texture when eating.
Step 4
Peel and thinly slice or dice the onion. Slice the red chili pepper diagonally or into rounds to add a splash of color. (You can add a spicy green chili pepper if you like it hot).
Step 5
In a pot, combine anchovies and kelp with 4 cups of water and bring to a boil to create a flavorful anchovy-kelp broth. Remove the kelp once the water boils, and let the anchovies simmer for 5-10 minutes before straining for a clean broth.
Step 6
Add 1.5 Tbsp of soybean paste to the broth, straining it to ensure there are no lumps and the paste is well dissolved. Adjust the amount of soybean paste based on its saltiness and your preference.
Step 7
Once the broth with dissolved soybean paste is boiling, add the torn zucchini leaves, sliced onion, and red chili pepper. Let it simmer until the vegetables are softened.
Step 8
Finally, add 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic and let the soup simmer for another 1-2 minutes to allow the garlic flavor to infuse. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more soybean paste or salt if needed.
Step 9
Ladle the delicious zucchini leaf soybean paste soup into warm bowls. This comforting and hearty soup, reminiscent of childhood memories, is perfect for a delightful meal!
