Gamjatang soup
Korean cuisine is known for its rich, spicy, and flavorful dishes that are sure to tickle your taste buds. Among these delicacies, one popular soup stands out–gamjatang. Gamjatang is a Korean soup made from pork spine, potatoes, and various vegetables, simmered together in a spicy broth until the meat is tender and falls off the bone. With its satisfyingly rich flavor and hearty texture, gamjatang is a favorite of many Koreans, and has become increasingly popular around the world.
“Gamja” means potato in Korean, while “tang” means soup, so gamjatang roughly translates into “potato soup”. Gamjatang’s origins can be traced back to the Korean countryside, where it was often served to warm up farmers who worked long hours in the fields, especially during the cold winter months. Over time, its popularity grew, and it became a staple dish that is enjoyed by people from all walks of life.
The key ingredient in gamjatang is pork spine. In Korean, it is known as “dae-pae” or “mae-un-dae-pae,” and it is considered to be one of the most flavorful cuts of pork for soups. The pork spine is boiled for several hours until the meat is tender, and falls off the bone easily. The broth is then seasoned with Korean chili paste (gochujang), garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and other aromatic spices. Potatoes are added to the soup for a hint of sweetness and texture, while vegetables like onions, green onions, and perilla leaves are included to add a refreshing, slightly sweet and tangy flavor.
Gamjatang is often served with rice and various side dishes, such as kimchi, pickled radish, and seasoned spinach, to create a well-rounded meal. It is also often eaten as a hangover cure, as the spicy broth is believed to help revive a person after a night of heavy drinking.
Despite its popularity, gamjatang was once considered a peasant food, due to its low cost and simple ingredients. However, in recent years, it has gained a reputation as a comfort food that can warm both the body and the soul on a cold winter day. It has even become a popular menu item at Korean restaurants around the world, with its spicy and savory flavor satisfying the cravings of food lovers everywhere.
To prepare gamjatang, one must first source the pork spine and potatoes, as well as other ingredients like Korean chili paste, garlic, and ginger. The pork spine is washed, and then boiled for several hours until the meat is tender. The potatoes and other vegetables are added towards the end of the cooking time, and the dish is simmered until everything is cooked through. Finally, the soup is seasoned with Korean chili paste and other spices to taste.
Overall, gamjatang is a delicious and hearty soup that is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Korea. Its simplicity and humble origins belie its complex and bold flavors, making it a dish that is enjoyed by everyone from humble farmers to trendy city dwellers. So why not try your hand at making this flavorsome Korean soup and experience the warmth and comfort it provides for yourself?
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork neckbones, cut into pieces
- 1 onion, halved
- 8 garlic cloves
- 2 inch ginger, sliced
- 8 cups of water
- 4 cups of cabbage, chopped
- 2 cups of Korean radish, chopped
- 1 cup of green onions, chopped
- 1 cup of perilla leaves, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup of Korean hot pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup of Korean soybean paste (doenjang)
- 2 tbsp of fish sauce
- 1 tbsp of sugar
- Salt, to taste
- Sesame oil, for drizzling
Instructions:
- Rinse the pork bones in cold water and drain.
- In a large pot, add the pork bones, onion, garlic, and ginger. Pour 8 cups of water, bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Simmer for about 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.
- Remove the bones, onion, garlic, and ginger from the pot, and discard.
- Add cabbage, Korean radish, hot pepper flakes, and soybean paste to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the soup has thickened.
- Add sugar, fish sauce, and salt to taste.
- Add chopped green onions and perilla leaves (if using), and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Drizzle sesame oil over the soup before serving.
- Serve hot with steamed rice. Enjoy your delicious Korean Gamjatang soup!