Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

This Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup is a delightful fusion of flavors, bringing together the sweetness of caramelized tomatoes and a hint of spice from gochujang. Perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings, this soup is rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s plant-based and can be prepared in just 45 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of caramelized gochujang and coconut milk creates a rich, savory taste that’s both comforting and exciting.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 45 minutes, this soup fits perfectly into busy schedules while still delivering gourmet flavors.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it solo or pair with crusty bread or steamed rice for a heartier meal.
• Plant-Based Goodness: Made entirely from plant-based ingredients, this soup is friendly for those seeking lighter options without sacrificing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup efficiently, having the right tools on hand will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Immersion blender
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: This heavy-duty pot allows for even heat distribution, perfect for simmering soups to develop deep flavors.
• Immersion blender: Easily blends the soup to your desired consistency without needing to transfer hot liquid to a traditional blender.
• Cutting board: A spacious surface ensures safety and efficiency when chopping your ingredients.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife helps make quick work of dicing onions and slicing garlic, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.

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Ingredients

For the Soup 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
• 1 1/2 pounds cherry tomatoes or vine tomatoes (halved)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice apple vinegar
• 1 cup vegetable stock

For Creaminess and Garnish

• 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (plus extra for serving)
• Assorted tender herbs (dill, mint, cilantro, scallions, for serving)
• Chili crisp (for serving)

How to Make Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

In a medium dutch oven over medium heat, add in the olive oil and let it warm up for a minute or so.

Step 2: Sauté Onions

Add in the onion and cook, stirring occasionally until slightly softened (about 5-6 minutes).

Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger

Add in the garlic and ginger. Stir to combine. Then add in the gochujang. Cook together while stirring often for about 5-6 minutes or until you see the gochujang begin to turn darker as it caramelizes.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes

Add in the cherry tomatoes along with soy sauce and vinegar. Stir well. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 10-11 minutes until the tomatoes burst open and become jammy.

Step 5: Simmer with Vegetable Stock

Stir in the vegetable stock. Bring everything to a simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes.

Step 6: Blend the Soup

Reduce heat to low. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth but leave some tomato skins whole for texture.

Step 7: Add Coconut Milk

Stir in the coconut milk. Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce if desired.

Step 8: Serve

Portion into bowls. Top with fresh herbs and chili crisp before serving. Enjoy with steamed white rice or crusty bread!

How to Serve Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

Serving Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup is as delightful as making it. This soup’s rich flavor pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its taste and provide a satisfying meal.

With Fresh Herbs

• Assorted Tender Herbs: Top your soup with fresh dill, mint, cilantro, or scallions for a burst of freshness.

With Chili Crisp

• Chili Crisp: Drizzle chili crisp over the soup to add an extra layer of heat and texture.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed White Rice: Serve the soup alongside fluffy steamed rice to soak up the delicious broth.

With Crusty Bread

• Crusty Bread: Pair with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. A baguette or sourdough works beautifully.

As a Meal Prep Option

• Meal Prep: Portion the soup into containers for easy reheating throughout the week.

How to Perfect Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

Achieving the perfect Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup is all about technique and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking experience.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cherry tomatoes bring out the best flavor in your soup, making it vibrant and delicious.
• Monitor Heat Levels: Keep an eye on the heat while caramelizing gochujang to avoid burning; low and slow is key.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Taste before serving and adjust soy sauce or gochujang to suit your spice preference.
• Blend Smoothly: For a creamier texture, blend longer but leave some tomato skins for added character.
• Experiment with Herbs: Try different combinations of herbs like basil or parsley for unique flavors in each bowl.

Best Side Dishes for Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

Complement your Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup with these tasty side dishes. They bring balance and variety to your meal.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread makes an excellent addition for scooping up every last drop of soup.
2. Asian Slaw: A refreshing slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds crunch and brightness.
3. Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado salad topped with lime juice brings a cool contrast to the spiciness of the soup.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes provides a nutritious complement.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables enhance the meal’s heartiness while adding rich flavors.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, or lentils create a filling option that pairs well with the soup.
7. Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with vegetables and served with peanut sauce offer a fun finger food option.
8. Crispy Tofu Bites: Crunchy tofu bites can be served on the side, adding protein and texture to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking garlic: Garlic can turn bitter if cooked too long. Add it after the onions have softened and stir briefly before adding other ingredients.
• Skipping the caramelization step: Not allowing the gochujang to caramelize can lead to a lack of depth. Stir frequently until it darkens slightly for the best flavor.
• Using unripe tomatoes: Unripe tomatoes won’t burst as well and can taste sour. Opt for ripe cherry or vine tomatoes for sweetness and richness.
• Not blending enough: Leaving too many chunks can affect the texture. Blend well but leave some tomato skins whole for a rustic feel.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Always taste your soup before serving. You may need an extra dash of soy sauce or vinegar to enhance flavors.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, for about 3-5 minutes until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until steaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead?

Yes, you can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available. Just adjust cooking time as they are already soft.

How spicy is Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup?

The spiciness depends on the amount of gochujang used. Start with less and add more according to your taste preference.

What herbs work best with this soup?

Fresh herbs like cilantro, dill, or mint complement the flavors beautifully and add freshness when serving.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well in both the fridge and freezer, making it ideal for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

This Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup offers a unique twist on a classic dish with its rich flavors and slight spiciness. It’s versatile; you can easily customize it with different herbs or add vegetables of your choice. Give it a try and enjoy this delightful soup any day of the week!