Kimchi kongnamul guk is a variation of kongnamul guk, a soup made with kongnamul (soybean sprouts). Kongnamul is high in B vitamins, vitamin C and protein. This explains why kongnamul guk is a popular home remedy for common colds and hangovers in Korea. The addition of kimchi takes the soup to another level, with a spicy kick that’s strong enough to clear your sinuses. When my kids were growing up, I made this soup for them when they had a cold, just like my mother did when I was growing up. It’s best made with an anchovy stock base, but you can use beef broth or water. You should use fully fermented kimchi for this soup. The older the kimchi is, the better. Serve it separately, or over the rice to make guk bap ― a soup with rice in it.

4 servings

Ingredients:

● 10 ― 12 medium to large dried anchovies

● 280 grams soybean sprouts (kongnamul)

● 230 grams fully fermented kimchi

● 1/4 cup juice from kimchi

● 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (guchugaru) ― omit for a less spicy soup

● 2 teaspoons soup soy sauce (or 1 teaspoon saeu jeot ―salted shrimp)

● 1 teaspoon minced garlic

● 1 scallion, roughly chopped

● salt and pepper

Remove the guts of the anchovies. Soak in 8 cups of water for at least 20 minutes. Then bring it to a boil, uncovered. Reduce the heat to medium-high and boil for 10 minutes. Remove the anchovies.

Rinse the soybean sprouts a couple of times, discarding any skins that are floating. Thinly slice the kimchi into strips about 1―2 centimeters wide.

Add the sliced kimchi, kimchi juice, gochugaru and the soup soy sauce (or salted shrimp) to the anchovy broth. Bring it to a boil. Cook over medium high heat until the kimchi turns translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the bean sprouts and garlic. Cook, covered, for 3-4 minutes. Do not open the lid while the bean sprouts are being cooked, or the raw bean smell will linger even after cooked. Once the bean sprouts are cooked, taste for salt and pepper. Add the scallions and boil for another minute. Serve separately with a bowl of rice, or serve it over the rice in a bowl.

See more recipes at www.koreanbapsang.com.

By Ro Hyo-sun