Hearty Morning Soup: Arugula and Perilla Seed Paste Stew
A Savory Morning Delight: Arugula and Perilla Seed Paste Stew
Warm up your morning with this comforting and nutritious Arugula and Perilla Seed Paste Stew. The freshness of arugula combined with the nutty aroma of perilla seeds creates a rich, savory broth that’s perfect for starting your day. Simple yet packed with flavor, this stew will make your breakfast table more delightful.
Main Ingredients
- 800ml rice water (water used for washing rice)
- 1 Tbsp dried anchovy powder (for broth)
- 2 Tbsp dried shiitake mushroom block (or 2 dried shiitake mushrooms)
- 1/3 bunch arugula (approx. 200g), washed and trimmed
- 1 Tbsp doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 red chili pepper
- 2 green chili peppers (like Korean cheongyang chili)
- 1.5 ladleful perilla seed powder (approx. 3-4 Tbsp)
- 1/2 Tbsp salted shrimp liquid (or substitute with soy sauce or salt)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start building a delicious broth! Pour 800ml of rice water into a pot. Add 1 Tbsp of anchovy powder and the dried shiitake mushroom block (or 2 dried shiitake mushrooms, rehydrated and finely chopped). Bring to a boil over high heat to extract a rich flavor.
Step 2
Cut the arugula into bite-sized pieces (about 3-4 cm). Place them in a bowl and gently massage with 1 Tbsp of doenjang and 1 Tbsp of minced garlic. Marinating the greens beforehand helps them absorb the flavors beautifully.
Step 3
Once the broth is vigorously boiling, add all the marinated arugula to the pot and cook. As the greens wilt, the broth will gradually become opaque.
Step 4
Skim off any foam that rises to the surface while the soup is boiling. This ensures a clear and clean-tasting broth.
Step 5
Add the thinly sliced red chili pepper and the two green chili peppers for a touch of spiciness. Feel free to adjust the amount of green chilies or omit them if you prefer less heat. Finally, generously add 1.5 ladlefuls (about 3-4 Tbsp) of perilla seed powder for that rich, nutty aroma.
Step 6
Simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with 1/2 Tbsp of salted shrimp liquid if needed. If you don’t have salted shrimp liquid, soy sauce or salt can be used. Your delicious Arugula and Perilla Seed Paste Stew is ready! Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice.
