This Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup is a delightful fusion of flavors that will warm your soul and tickle your taste buds. With its slightly spicy kick from caramelized gochujang paste and the richness of slow-simmered tomatoes, this dish stands out as a unique twist on classic tomato soup. Perfect for cozy evenings or impressive dinner parties, this easy-to-make recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold flavors: The combination of caramelized gochujang and fresh tomatoes creates a robust flavor profile that excites the palate.
- Quick preparation: With a total cook time of only 30 minutes, you can enjoy a homemade soup without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile serving options: Serve it as an appetizer, main course, or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Nutrient-rich ingredients: Packed with vitamins and minerals from cherry tomatoes and herbs, this soup is not only delicious but also healthy.
- Plant-based goodness: Completely plant-based, this soup caters to various dietary preferences while delivering satisfying taste.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing this Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup requires a few essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Immersion blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: Ideal for even heat distribution, allowing your soup to simmer perfectly without burning.
- Immersion blender: Makes blending easy while maintaining some texture in the soup, giving it that desired chunky feel.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup, gather the following ingredients:
For the Base
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (thinly sliced or chopped)
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons gochujang
For the Soup
- 1 1/2 pounds cherry tomatoes or vine tomatoes (halved)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice apple vinegar
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (plus extra for serving)
For Garnishing
- Assorted tender herbs (dill, mint, cilantro, scallions)
- Chili crisp (for serving)
How to Make Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup
Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a medium dutch oven over medium heat, add in the olive oil and let it warm up for about one minute.
Step 2: Sauté Onions
Add in the diced onion. Cook while stirring occasionally until slightly softened, about 5–6 minutes.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
Add in the garlic and ginger. Stir well to combine. Then add in the gochujang. Cook together for about 5–6 minutes or until you see the gochujang darken slightly. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes
Add in the halved cherry tomatoes, soy sauce, and vinegar. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 10–11 minutes until the tomatoes are burst and jammy. It should be somewhat liquidy at this point.
Step 5: Simmer with Stock
Pour in the vegetable stock and stir well. Bring this mixture to a simmer for another 8–10 minutes.
Step 6: Blend It Up
Reduce heat to low. Use an immersion blender to blend most of the soup while leaving some tomato skins whole for texture.
Step 7: Finish with Coconut Milk
Stir in the coconut milk. Taste your soup and season with more soy sauce if desired.
Step 8: Serve
Portion into bowls and top with your choice of tender herbs and chili crisp. Enjoy with steamed white rice or crusty bread!
How to Serve Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup
Serving Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this vibrant soup.
With Fresh Herbs
- Dill: Adds a fresh, slightly tangy flavor that complements the soup’s richness.
- Cilantro: Offers a burst of freshness and a hint of citrus, enhancing the overall taste.
- Mint: Provides a cool contrast to the soup’s warmth, making each bite refreshing.
- Scallions: Sprinkle on top for a mild onion flavor that adds crunch.
Accompanied by Crunchy Toppings
- Chili Crisp: A spicy, crunchy topping that adds texture and heat to each spoonful.
- Toasted Seeds: Sprinkle pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
- Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons can add a delightful crispy element.
Pairing with Complements
- Steamed White Rice: Serve alongside for a filling meal; rice absorbs the flavorful broth beautifully.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping; choose sourdough or whole grain for extra flavor.
How to Perfect Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup
Achieving the perfect balance of flavors in Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup is essential. Follow these tips for the best results.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh tomatoes and herbs to maximize flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust Spice Level: Customize the amount of gochujang based on your spice tolerance; start small and add more as needed.
- Simmer Slowly: Allow the soup to simmer longer to develop deeper flavors from the caramelization process.
- Blend Gradually: When using an immersion blender, blend partially to keep some tomato skins intact for texture.
- Taste Before Serving: Adjust seasoning with soy sauce or salt before serving to enhance overall flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup
Enjoying Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup can be made even better with these complementary side dishes.
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice, toasted with garlic butter that pairs well with the soup’s spices.
- Mixed Green Salad: Light and refreshing, it balances out the soup’s richness with crisp vegetables.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed option that offers nutty flavors; mix with veggies and vinaigrette.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Filled with rice, beans, and spices, they make a hearty addition alongside the soup.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: Light and crunchy, these rolls offer a satisfying contrast to the warm soup.
- Savory Scones: Herb-infused scones can provide a delightful twist when dipped into the tomato soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Boldly Using Too Much Gochujang: While gochujang adds flavor, using too much can overpower the soup. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste.
- Boldly Ignoring Tomato Quality: The quality of tomatoes greatly affects the soup’s flavor. Use ripe cherry or vine tomatoes for the best results.
- Boldly Overcooking Ingredients: Cooking the onions or garlic too long can lead to bitterness. Keep an eye on them and cook until just softened.
- Boldly Skimping on Coconut Milk: Coconut milk adds creaminess to the soup. Don’t skip or use too little; it enhances the overall texture and taste.
- Boldly Blending Too Smoothly: Blending all ingredients until smooth can lose texture. Leave some tomato skins for added depth in your soup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Should last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warm throughout.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup?
Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup is a unique blend of caramelized gochujang paste with rich tomatoes and coconut milk, offering a flavorful twist on classic tomato soup.
Can I use different tomatoes for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute other types of tomatoes like Roma or even canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available.
Is this soup vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! This Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup is fully plant-based, making it suitable for vegans.
How spicy is this soup?
The spice level depends on how much gochujang you use. Adjust it according to your preference by adding more or less.
Can I add vegetables or proteins?
Certainly! Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like bell peppers or proteins like cooked chicken or tofu.
Final Thoughts
This Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup is not just delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect as a comforting meal or paired with bread or rice. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite herbs or veggies. Give it a try and enjoy its unique flavors!
Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup
Indulge in the delightful warmth of Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup. This innovative dish combines the deep, rich flavors of caramelized gochujang with the sweetness of slow-simmered tomatoes, resulting in a comforting yet exciting twist on classic tomato soup. Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests, this vibrant soup is quick to prepare and delivered in just 45 minutes. Enhance your dining experience by serving it with fresh herbs and crunchy toppings, making every spoonful a burst of flavor.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (thinly sliced or chopped)
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons gochujang
- 1 1/2 pounds cherry tomatoes or vine tomatoes (halved)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice apple vinegar
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (plus extra for serving)
- Assorted tender herbs (dill, mint, cilantro, scallions)
- Chili crisp (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat for one minute.
- Sauté diced onion for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and ginger; stir to combine, then mix in gochujang and cook for an additional 5–6 minutes until darkened.
- Incorporate halved cherry tomatoes, soy sauce, and vinegar; cook for 10–11 minutes until tomatoes burst.
- Pour in vegetable stock and simmer for 8–10 minutes.
- Blend partially using an immersion blender for desired texture.
- Stir in coconut milk; taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve topped with fresh herbs and chili crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Korean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients to maximize flavor. Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of gochujang used. For added nutrition, consider incorporating chopped vegetables or proteins like cooked chicken or tofu.