Hearty Spring Greens Soybean Paste Soup (Bomdong Doenjang Guk)
Hearty Spring Greens Soybean Paste Soup (Bomdong Doenjang Guk)
A Comforting and Savory Spring Greens Soybean Paste Soup
Enjoy this wonderfully savory and comforting Spring Greens Soybean Paste Soup, perfect for a refreshing breakfast! The fresh taste of spring greens combined with the rich umami of homemade doenjang makes this soup a delightful start to your day.
Main Ingredients- 1 head Spring Greens (Bomdong)
- A small amount of Baengmansongi mushrooms (optional)
Seasoning & Broth- 1L Anchovy or Kelp Broth
- 1 Tbsp Homemade Soybean Paste (Doenjang)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1L Anchovy or Kelp Broth
- 1 Tbsp Homemade Soybean Paste (Doenjang)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the spring greens by trimming any tough outer leaves. Bring a pot of water to a boil, and briefly blanch the spring greens for about 30 seconds until they turn a vibrant green. This quick blanching keeps them fresh and tender. Immediately rinse the blanched greens under cold running water to stop the cooking and retain their bright color. Once cooled, chop them into bite-sized pieces. This step helps maintain a pleasant crispness in the finished soup.
Step 2
In a soup pot, bring 1 liter of anchovy or kelp broth to a rolling boil. Once boiling, dissolve 1 tablespoon of homemade soybean paste into the broth. It’s recommended to pass the doenjang through a sieve into the broth to ensure it dissolves smoothly without clumps, resulting in a silkier soup base. Add the chopped spring greens to the simmering broth and let them cook.
Step 3
The soup will start to bubble merrily as the spring greens cook and the flavors meld. Reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer at this stage.
Step 4
When the soup is simmering nicely, add the Baengmansongi mushrooms (if using) and 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic. The mushrooms will impart a subtle, earthy flavor, while the garlic enhances the overall savory profile of the soup.
Step 5
Simmer for another few minutes until all the ingredients are tender and the flavors have combined beautifully. This completes your delicious Spring Greens Soybean Paste Soup. For an extra creamy and nutty flavor, you could stir in 1 tablespoon of perilla powder (deulkkae garu) at the end, though it was omitted in this recipe due to availability. Serve hot with a bowl of rice for a satisfying and wholesome meal!
