Aromatic Season Basil Soup
Season Basil Soup: A Must-Try Spring Vegetable Doenjang Guk (Easy Morning Soup)
A simple and delicious Season Basil Doenjang Guk that’s easy to prepare and clean. Enjoy the fresh, unique aroma of spring.
Ingredients- 100g Season Basil (Bangpung Namul)
- 4 cups Rice Water (approx. 800ml)
- 2cm thick slice of Radish
- 1 sheet of Dried Kelp (5x5cm)
- 1 cube of Coi Broth (or anchovy-kelp broth)
- 1 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean Soybean Paste)
- 1 tsp Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) (optional)
- 1 tsp Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes) (can omit if using Cheongyang peppers)
- A little bit of Green Onion (chopped)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the Season Basil leaves thoroughly under running water. Trim any tough stems for a more tender bite. Gently pat dry the washed greens.
Step 2
Pour 4 cups of rice water into a pot. Add the Coi Broth cube and the thinly sliced radish. If you have pre-made broth (vegetable, anchovy-kelp), you can use that instead of the Coi Broth for a richer flavor. If not, simply using kelp is also a good option. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Step 3
Once the radish becomes translucent, it’s cooked. Now, dissolve 1 tablespoon of Doenjang and 1 teaspoon of Gochujang into the broth. For a smoother soup, you can whisk the Doenjang in a small sieve before adding it. Gochujang is optional and adds a touch of spiciness.
Step 4
Add the prepared Season Basil to the broth with the dissolved paste. Season Basil can sometimes be a bit firm, so adding it before or right after dissolving the doenjang and simmering briefly will help tenderize it. Be careful not to overcook, as it can lose its delicate aroma.
Step 5
Finally, stir in 1 teaspoon of Gochugaru and a generous amount of chopped green onion. Let it simmer for just another minute or so. If you prefer it spicier, you can substitute the Gochugaru with finely chopped Cheongyang peppers. Once all the flavors have melded, turn off the heat and serve hot. This makes a wonderfully satisfying and healthy breakfast soup, perfect with a bowl of rice.
