Step 1

Begin by preparing all the ingredients for your Bodong Miso Soup. Wash the vegetables thoroughly and measure out your seasoning ingredients; this will make the cooking process much smoother.

Step 2

Wash the Bodong spring cabbage meticulously under running water. Pay special attention to any dirt hidden between the leaves. Trim off the tough base of the cabbage and discard it.

Step 3

Cut the clean Bodong into bite-sized pieces, approximately 3-4 cm in length. Cutting them too small might cause them to break apart while cooking, so aim for a moderate size.

Step 4

Slice the green onion diagonally into about 5mm thick pieces. Wash the Korean green chili pepper and red chili pepper (optional), remove the seeds, and also slice them diagonally. If you enjoy a spicier soup, feel free to add a second green chili pepper.

Step 5

Pour about 1.5 liters of water (or rice water, which adds a nice savory depth) into a pot. Add the seafood broth sachet (or anchovy and kelp) to start making a flavorful broth. Using rice water can enhance the soup’s savory quality.

Step 6

Once the broth begins to boil, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 10 more minutes to fully extract the rich flavors. After the broth has steeped sufficiently, remove and discard the broth sachet.

Step 7

Add 2 tablespoons of Miso paste and 1 tablespoon of Gochugaru to the prepared broth. Stir well with a spoon to dissolve the miso paste completely, ensuring there are no clumps. The Gochugaru will add a pleasant spiciness and warmth.

Step 8

Once the miso is well dissolved, add the prepared Bodong spring cabbage to the pot. Then, add 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic. Let it simmer until the Bodong leaves begin to soften.

Step 9

Taste the soup. If it’s too bland, you can add a little more miso paste or Gochugaru to adjust the seasoning to your preference. Simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes, with the lid slightly ajar, allowing the fresh flavors of the Bodong to infuse into the soup.

Step 10

When the Bodong is tender, add the diagonally sliced green onions, green chili pepper, and red chili pepper. Let it simmer for a short while longer. This step enhances both the aroma and the visual appeal of the soup.

Step 11

Finally, taste the soup one last time and add a pinch of salt if needed to achieve the perfect balance. Your clean and savory Bodong Miso Soup, full of spring’s essence, is now ready! Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice.

Step 12