Kongnamul Guk is a traditional Korean soup made from bean sprouts. Known for its simplicity, it offers a fresh and healthy taste. Bean sprouts are a great source of plant-based protein, rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a perfect choice for daily meals. This soup is typically served as a side dish or as a light main course.
Ingredients Needed
To make an authentic and delicious Kongnamul Guk, you will need the following ingredients:
- 200 grams of bean sprouts (kongnamul)
- 1 liter of water
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 2 stalks of green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of bouillon powder (optional)
- 1 green or red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
Preparation and Serving Instructions
Steps to Make Kongnamul Guk
Preparing the Ingredients:
- Rinse the bean sprouts thoroughly with clean water and drain.
- Finely chop the garlic and thinly slice the green onions and chili.
Boiling the Water:
- Bring 1 liter of water to a boil in a large pot.
Adding the Ingredients:
- Once the water is boiling, add the chopped garlic, bean sprouts, and salt to the pot.
- Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes or until the bean sprouts are tender.
Adding the Seasonings:
- Add soy sauce and sesame oil to the soup. Stir well.
- If using, add chili powder, bouillon powder, and toasted sesame seeds at this step.
Finishing Touch:
- Add the sliced green onions and chili to the soup. Stir briefly until all ingredients are well mixed.
Serving:
- Remove the pot from the heat and ladle the soup into serving bowls.
- Kongnamul Guk is ready to be enjoyed while hot.
Tips
- Choosing Bean Sprouts: Use fresh bean sprouts for the best results. Fresh bean sprouts will provide a crunchy texture and better flavor.
- Variations: You can add other ingredients like sliced mushrooms, tofu, or thinly sliced beef for additional flavors and textures.
- Seasoning: Adjust the amount of salt and soy sauce to your taste. You can also add a pinch of black pepper for a more complex flavor.
Variations
- Kongnamul Guk with Meat: Add thinly sliced cooked beef or chicken for a more filling variation.
- Spicy Soup: Add more chili powder or some chopped chili peppers to make the soup spicier.
- Additional Vegetables: Add other vegetables like spinach, carrots, or zucchini for added nutrition and color variety.
Calorie Information
One serving of Kongnamul Guk (about 250 ml) contains approximately 50-70 calories, depending on the additional ingredients used. This soup is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake.
Conclusion
Kongnamul Guk is a simple yet nutritious and flavorful soup. With easily found ingredients and straightforward steps, you can quickly prepare this soup at home. Enjoy the delicious taste and health benefits of Kongnamul Guk as part of your daily meals.
