Rich in the probiotic bacteria found in fermented vegetables, kimchi soup is in a league of its own. It is easy to compare it to its western stew cousin, but the flavour release makes this sumptuous dish a must-have staple during the winter months when the body is in hibernation mode.
Where does the soup come from?
The napa cabbage, which is a fundamental ingredient in modern-day kimchi, made its appearance in Korea around late 1900. However, preceding this, other fermented vegetables were used as the core basis of kimchi. Kimchi soup is a household favourite in Korea, often served in the colder winter months. The dish then became known as Tongbaechu kimchi.
Pickled food was popular, as it helped to preserve the life of food during the winter months when food could become scarce. The addition of other vegetables is how kimchi jjigae is made.
How is kimchi soup made?
Kimchi soup consists of kimchi and other tasty ingredients such as pork, tofu, seafood, onions, garlic and mushrooms. You can really add anything you like to the dish. The more fermented or older the better, as it provides a bolder and stronger flavour. The kimchi is often made from napa cabbage, which is then fermented and becomes the staple pickled vegetable. Added to this is a variety of spices like chilli peppers, ginger, salt and pepper. Besides cabbage, there are other vegetables used that include cucumber, scallions or radish. The kimchi is sliced into a pot that contains beef, fish or pork. Tofu is another option for a vegetarian version.
Traditionally, kimchi soup is eaten together with others and is placed in the middle of the table. This is served alongside various side dishes and rice. The soup is preferably served hot, but some also like it served a bit chilled. You’ll find that this dish has a spicy, tangy or sour flavour and can be eaten on its own or with other dishes like stir fry or noodles. You might even fancy adding kimchi as a pizza topping. Ultimately, kimchi jjigae is definitely the best and most popular way to eat kimchi.
Where can you find the soup?
The soup is a very common Korean dish and many families eat this tasty meal at least once or even twice a week. Feel like staying in? Then why not have your food delivered?
You are bound to find a restaurant serving the Korean kimchi soup then simply have it delivered to your door. The Hansang Korean Family Restaurant is sure to have something delectable for the whole family. Try their Kimchi dishes, noodles and dumplings or Korean fried chicken.