Bowl of Soy Paste & Cabbage Soup
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Soy Paste & Cabbage Soup


Korea   -   Baechu-Doenjangguk

Makes:
Effort:
Sched:
DoAhead:  
6 cups
**
1-1/8 hrs
Yes
A simple light soup with an attractive flavor, suitable to accompany strongly flavored Asian dishes.

10
1
3
2
4
1
2
6


#
T

cl
T
t
c

Anchovy dry (1)
Nappa Cabbage (2)  
Doenjang (3)
Chili, green (4)
Garlic
Flour, AllPurp
Fish Sauce (5)
Water

Prep   -   (30 min)
  1. With the point of a small knife, split the bellies of the ANCHOVIES and scrape out the guts (black lumps and powder) which can make the stock taste sour. Some people remove the heads, but others say leaving the heads on makes a better stock. I leave them on, or toss them in if they break off. Place them in a fine mesh Tea Ball, wrap in Cheese Cloth, or otherwise make a porous package.
  2. Separate CABBAGE LEAVES and cut the stack in half crosswise. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Blanch the Cabbage Leaves for a minute and a half or so, stirring. Drain and refresh under cold running water.
  3. Chop Cabbage Leaves small.
  4. Slice CHILIS Thin, crosswise on a diagonal. Crush GARLIC and chop fine. Mix.
Run   -   (35 min)
  1. In a sauce pan, place Cabbage, Chili mix, Doenjang, Flour, and Fish Sauce. Stir until evenly mixed. Add Anchovy Packet, and 6 cups Water.
  2. Bring to a boil, stir well and hold at a slow boil for about 25 minutes or until Cabbage is very tender. Turn to very low and hold for another 5 minutes.
  3. Remove Anchovy Packet and serve hot in individual bowls.
NOTES:
  1. Anchovies, Dried:

      These should be the largest size of dried anchovies, 2 to 4 inches long. They are available in any Korean market, and many other Asian markets. For details see our Dried Anchovies page.
  2. Nappa Cabbage:

      [Chinese Cabbage]   Actually a Turnip Green. Alternatively you could use Bok Choy (also a Turnip Green) - different color and slightly different flavor. For details see our Cabbage Greens page.
  3. Doenjang:

      This is a fermented soybean paste, similar to Japanese shiro miso but differing in taste and texture. It is an important ingredient that will be found in any Korean market. For details see our Doenjang page.
  4. Chili, Green:

      Korean Green Chilis are erratically available here in Los Angeles, so we use mostly Serranos. They are definitely hotter than the Korean, but that's not usually a problem. For details see our Korean & Japanese Chilis
  5. Fish Sauce:

      This clear liquid is as essential to Southeast Asian cuisines as it was to Imperial Rome. It is also used to a lesser extent in Korea and China. If you are unfamiliar with it, see our Fish Sauce Introduction page.
  6. U.S. measure: t=teaspoon, T=Tablespoon, c=cup, qt=quart, oz=ounce, #=pound, cl=clove in=inch, ar=as required tt=to taste
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