Hearty Tteok-Mandu-Guk: Perfect for Chilly Days!
Comforting Korean Rice Cake and Dumpling Soup
Warm your soul with this comforting Tteok-Mandu-Guk, a delightful soup perfect for cooler weather. Made with readily available rice cakes and frozen dumplings from your freezer, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare. Each spoonful is incredibly warming and satisfying, making it a wonderful choice for a family meal. Enjoy this nutritious and delicious Korean classic!
For the Broth- 1 handful dried anchovies for broth
- 1 piece dried kelp (dashima), about 10cm x 10cm
- 1 stalk white part of a leek
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Soak the sliced rice cakes (tteokguk tteok) in cold water for about 30 minutes until softened. If the rice cakes are particularly hard, you can briefly blanch them in boiling water for extra tenderness. Drain the soaked rice cakes in a colander.
Step 2
Crack the 2 eggs into a bowl, whisk them lightly to break the yolks and remove any stringy bits. Slice the green part of the leek and the Korean chili peppers (if using) into thin diagonal pieces. The chili peppers add a nice kick; omit them if you prefer a milder soup, especially for children.
Step 3
Pour about 1.5 liters (around 7-8 cups) of water into a pot. Add the dried anchovies (gutted), kelp, and the white part of the leek for the broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Step 4
After 10 minutes, remove the kelp to prevent it from becoming slimy. Also, remove the leek and anchovies to create a clear broth. This clean broth will be the base for your soup.
Step 5
Add 2 tablespoons of soup soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the clear broth. Add the prepared rice cakes and frozen dumplings. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the rice cakes are tender and the dumplings float to the surface. Taste and add salt if needed.
Step 6
Once the rice cakes and dumplings are cooked, gently drizzle the whisked eggs into the simmering soup in a thin stream, creating ribbons of egg. Once the egg is set, add the sliced leek greens and chili peppers (if using). Sprinkle with black pepper to finish. Let it simmer for another minute.
Step 7
Ladle the finished Tteok-Mandu-Guk into individual bowls. The combination of the savory broth, chewy rice cakes, and flavorful dumplings is truly delicious. This simple recipe is perfect for busy days, offering a deeply satisfying and warming meal. Enjoy the comforting warmth with every sip!
