Refreshing and Nutty Agar-Agar Bean Soup (Umu Kongguk)
Summer Delight! Healthy Agar-Agar Bean Soup Recipe, Great for Dieting
Introducing a light and healthy Umu Kongguk recipe using refreshing agar-agar jelly instead of noodles. This nutrient-rich dish is low in calories and high in satiety, making it a perfect choice for those pursuing a healthy diet. Enjoy the delightful combination of creamy soybean broth, crisp cucumber, and juicy cherry tomatoes.
Bean Soup Ingredients
- 1 cup dried soybeans (baektae)
- 1L water
- 1 Tbsp salt (fine salt)
- Generous amount of sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, carefully inspect the dried soybeans and remove any that are worm-eaten or spoiled, preparing them for use.
Step 2
Rinse the cleaned soybeans thoroughly and soak them in plenty of water for about 5 hours. (During hot summer days, you can reduce the soaking time to around 4 hours.)
Step 3
Place the soaked soybeans in a pot and add enough water to cover them generously. Bring to a boil over high heat until the beans are tender.
Step 4
Once boiling, remove the lid and simmer for an additional 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly. Drain the beans using a sieve and allow them to cool further. (Caution: Boiling the beans for too long can result in a strong fermented bean paste smell, so be mindful of the cooking time.)
Step 5
During the boiling process, some bean husks may separate. Simply remove these naturally detached husks; there’s no need to forcibly peel the bean skins.
Step 6
Wash the cucumber and cut it into thin julienne strips. Remove the stems from the cherry tomatoes and halve them. (For added refreshing flavor, thinly sliced watermelon can also be a delicious garnish.)
Step 7
In a blender, combine the boiled and cooled soybeans, 1L of clean water, 1 tablespoon of fine salt, and a generous amount of sesame seeds for a nutty aroma. Blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring a well-emulsified bean broth.
Step 8
Gently rinse the prepared agar-agar jelly under clean running water to remove any impurities. (Tip: If you use boiled noodles instead of agar-agar jelly, it transforms into a delicious Kongguksu, or soybean noodle soup. Feel free to choose your preference!)
Step 9
In a large bowl, place the rinsed agar-agar jelly. Arrange the julienned cucumber and halved cherry tomatoes (or watermelon slices) attractively on top. Finally, pour a generous amount of the chilled, creamy soybean broth over everything to complete your delicious Umu Kongguk!
