Comforting Napa Cabbage and Soybean Paste Soup
How to Make a Gentle and Savory Napa Cabbage Soybean Paste Soup
On hot days, we often find ourselves eating a lot of cold foods, which can leave us feeling uncomfortable in the morning. To soothe your stomach, try making this gentle and savory Napa Cabbage Soybean Paste Soup! It doesn’t require long simmering; the natural sweetness of the napa cabbage and the deep umami of the soybean paste create a delicious flavor that’s hard to resist. A simple soup paired with one side dish makes for a perfect breakfast table. Today, I’ve made it with just cabbage and perilla seed powder for a clean taste, but adding some soft tofu or a touch of spicy chili pepper can bring out a different, delightful flavor. Let’s get started!
Ingredients- Napa cabbage (Albaegi variety) 100g
- Kelp broth 500cc (or rice water)
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Soybean paste (Doenjang) 1/2 Tbsp
- Perilla seed powder 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, pour 500cc of kelp broth into a pot. You can use rice water, but for an extra boost of umami, adding some commercially available kelp broth or a cooking enhancer is a good option. Anchovy broth also works wonderfully for a rich flavor.
Step 2
Wash the napa cabbage thoroughly, then cut it into bite-sized pieces. To preserve the fresh flavor of the cabbage, it’s best to cut it into larger pieces rather than too small.
Step 3
I’ve cut the cabbage into generous pieces, about 4cm in length. This way, the cabbage retains a pleasant texture when cooked, making it even more delicious.
Step 4
Add the prepared napa cabbage to the kelp broth and start simmering. Cook until the cabbage has slightly softened.
Step 5
Finely chop the green onion. This will add a subtle sweetness and aroma to the soup.
Step 6
Once the cabbage is somewhat cooked, add the chopped green onion, 1/2 Tbsp of soybean paste, and 1 Tbsp of minced garlic. Stir well to dissolve the soybean paste, ensuring there are no clumps. Once the soup comes to a boil, reduce the heat slightly.
Step 7
When the soup starts to boil again, stir in 1 Tbsp of perilla seed powder for a nutty flavor. Continue to simmer over medium heat for about 5 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Be careful not to overcook, as the aroma of the perilla seeds can dissipate.
Step 8
And there you have it! Your comforting and savory Napa Cabbage Soybean Paste Soup is ready. Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice!
