Savory and Spicy Spinach Soybean Paste Soup
How to Make Delicious Spinach Soybean Paste Soup – A Simple Spinach Dish
I bought a bunch of fresh spinach on sale at the supermarket and made this savory and slightly spicy spinach soup for dinner. It’s so delicious that you’ll finish a whole bowl of rice with it! This simple yet deeply flavorful spinach dish is perfect for the whole family. The rich umami of the anchovy broth and soybean paste is perfectly complemented by the mild heat of the chili peppers, making it a wonderful appetite stimulant.
Main Ingredients
- 1 bunch spinach
- 2 stalks green onion (white parts mainly)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 4 Korean green chilies
- 1.5 L anchovy broth
Seasoning (Adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt
- 3 Tbsp anchovy sauce
- 3 Tbsp soup soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp soybean paste (doenjang)
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt
- 3 Tbsp anchovy sauce
- 3 Tbsp soup soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp soybean paste (doenjang)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the anchovy broth. In a pot, combine dried anchovies, kelp, and the white parts of green onions. Add 1.5 liters of water and simmer to create a rich broth. For color and depth, add about 2 tablespoons of anchovy sauce at this stage.
Step 2
While the broth is simmering, trim the roots of the spinach and wash it thoroughly. Cut the spinach into 3-4 cm lengths. Finely chop the Korean green chilies and slice the green onions diagonally.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, prepare the soybean paste and minced garlic. It’s helpful to have these ready beforehand to easily mix into the soup.
Step 4
Add the prepared spinach, chopped green chilies, and sliced green onions to the simmering anchovy broth.
Step 5
Also add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and bring to a boil.
Step 6
Strain the soybean paste through a sieve into the soup, dissolving it with a little broth. This method prevents clumps and results in a clearer, smoother soup. Use about 3 tablespoons of soybean paste.
Step 7
Since we added anchovy sauce earlier and have now added soybean paste, the soup should already have some seasoning. Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with soup soy sauce and coarse sea salt if needed. If it’s still not savory enough, gradually add more soup soy sauce and coarse sea salt until it reaches your desired taste. (Optionally, a tiny pinch of MSG or a similar seasoning enhancer can be added for extra umami.)
