Savory Spinach and Soybean Paste Soup
[ Spinach Miso Soup ] Simple Yet Deep Flavor! A Country-Style Recipe for Delicious, Mild Spinach Soup
Introducing a mild and healthy spinach soup that feels like it’s made with care. Based on soybean paste (doenjang), the savory flavor of anchovy and shrimp broth is exceptional, creating a hearty and delicious soup perfect for a chilly day.
Main Ingredients- Fresh spinach 100g
Broth and Seasoning Ingredients- Dried anchovies for broth 5-10 pieces
- Small piece of dried kelp (optional, to taste)
- Dried shrimp 10 pieces
- Homemade soybean paste or regular doenjang 1 tsp
- Minced garlic 0.5 tsp
- Coarse sea salt 0.5 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Water 4 cups (approx. 800ml)
- Dried anchovies for broth 5-10 pieces
- Small piece of dried kelp (optional, to taste)
- Dried shrimp 10 pieces
- Homemade soybean paste or regular doenjang 1 tsp
- Minced garlic 0.5 tsp
- Coarse sea salt 0.5 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Water 4 cups (approx. 800ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
It’s time to make a deeply flavorful broth. Pour 4 cups (about 800ml) of water into a pot and add 5-10 dried anchovies. (If using small anchovies, about 10 pieces is suitable.) Cover and boil over medium heat for at least 10 minutes to fully extract the savory flavor of the anchovies. If you like, you can add a piece of dried kelp at this stage for an even deeper umami taste. After boiling, remove the anchovies and kelp, preparing the broth.
Step 2
Add the cleaned and trimmed spinach (100g) and 10 dried shrimp to the prepared anchovy broth. (If you have pre-boiled spinach, you can use that too. If so, make sure to squeeze out excess water before adding.)
Step 3
Now, let’s dissolve the soybean paste to add a savory depth to the soup. Sift 1 teaspoon of homemade or store-bought doenjang into the boiling broth, ensuring it dissolves smoothly without lumps. (Using homemade fermented soybean paste or ‘makjang’ will give you a richer, more authentic flavor.)
Step 4
Add 0.5 teaspoon of coarse sea salt to season the soup. Considering the saltiness of the doenjang itself, it’s best to start with a smaller amount and adjust later after tasting.
Step 5
Add 0.5 teaspoon of minced garlic to further enhance the soup’s aroma and flavor. The pungent garlic will blend beautifully with the broth, making it even more delicious.
Step 6
Now it’s time to let everything cook together until tender. Once the soup comes to a rolling boil, continue to simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the spinach is soft and tender. When the spinach is wilted and the flavors have melded, your delicious spinach soup will be ready.
Step 7
Serve your warmly brewed spinach soup gracefully into a bowl. Enjoy a hearty and healthy meal with a bowl of rice. Enjoy your meal!
