Hearty Perilla Seed and Mugwort Soybean Paste Stew (Deulkkae Ssuk Doenjang Guk)
Hearty Perilla Seed and Mugwort Soybean Paste Stew (Deulkkae Ssuk Doenjang Guk)
Embrace Spring’s Aroma with ‘Deulkkae Ssuk Doenjang Guk’!
This hearty soybean paste stew is brimming with the vibrant flavors of spring. We’ve combined fresh mugwort, known for its immunity-boosting properties, with nutty perilla seeds and savory doenjang (Korean soybean paste) for a deeply flavorful and nourishing soup. It’s a delightful dish that truly awakens your senses with its fragrant aroma and rich taste.
Ingredients- 100g fresh mugwort
- 2 1/2 Tbsp doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 2 Tbsp perilla seed powder
- 3 cups anchovy broth
- 1 clove garlic (small)
- A small amount of green onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by carefully preparing the fresh mugwort. Trim away any tough stems or yellowed leaves, then rinse it thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Gently pat it dry or let it air dry briefly.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add a pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the prepared mugwort and blanch for approximately 15 seconds – just long enough to brighten its color and reduce any bitterness. Immediately drain the mugwort and plunge it into cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve its vibrant green hue. Squeeze out any excess water gently.
Step 3
In a clean pot, pour in the 3 cups of anchovy broth. Now, it’s time to dissolve the doenjang. It’s best to place the doenjang in a fine-mesh sieve and let it dissolve into the broth while stirring. This prevents clumps and ensures a smooth, even flavor throughout the soup. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
Step 4
Once the doenjang broth is simmering, add the blanched mugwort (with excess water squeezed out) and the 2 tablespoons of perilla seed powder. Stir gently to incorporate everything. Allow the soup to come back to a vigorous boil. The perilla seed powder will thicken the stew and release a wonderful nutty aroma.
Step 5
Finally, add the finely minced garlic clove and a small amount of thinly sliced green onion. Let the stew simmer for another moment, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, then turn off the heat. Serve this comforting and aromatic Deulkkae Ssuk Doenjang Guk hot, perhaps with a steaming bowl of rice, for a truly satisfying and healthy meal.
