Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

This Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup is a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for cozy evenings or impressing guests at gatherings. The caramelized gochujang adds a unique depth, while the rich tomatoes and creamy coconut milk create a comforting bowl of soup. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is suitable for any occasion, from a casual lunch to an elegant dinner party.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of caramelized gochujang with tomatoes creates a distinct taste that sets this soup apart from traditional recipes.
• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking, you can enjoy this delicious soup in under an hour.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with crusty bread or steamed rice for a complete meal.
• Plant-Based Goodness: This recipe is fully plant-based, making it suitable for various dietary preferences and lifestyles.
• Hearty and Filling: The richness of coconut milk combined with hearty tomatoes ensures this soup will satisfy your hunger.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Immersion blender
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for even heating, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully during cooking.
• Immersion blender: Perfect for blending soups directly in the pot, saving time on cleanup compared to traditional blenders.

Ingredients

This Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup is unlike any you’ve had before – it’s slightly spicy from a hit of caramelized gochujang paste and is deeply rich from slowly simmered tomatoes and just a touch of coconut milk. It’s fully plant-based, easy to make, and ready in minutes, making it one of the best tomato soups out there.

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

For the Soup

• 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

• 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (plus extra for serving)

For Garnish

• Assorted tender herbs (dill, mint, cilantro, scallions)
• Chili crisp

How to Make Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

In a medium dutch oven over medium heat, add in the olive oil and let it warm up for a minute or so.
1. Add in the onion and cook, stirring occasionally until slightly softened, about 5-6 minutes.
2. Add in the garlic and ginger; stir to combine.
3. Incorporate the gochujang; continue cooking while stirring often for another 5-6 minutes until it darkens slightly.

Step 2: Cook Tomatoes

Add in the cherry tomatoes along with soy sauce and rice apple vinegar.
1. Stir well to combine.
2. Cook for about 10-11 minutes until the tomatoes burst open and become jammy.

Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients

1. Pour in the vegetable stock; stir everything together.
2. Bring to a simmer for 8-10 more minutes.

Step 4: Blend and Add Coconut Milk

Reduce heat to low:
1. Use an immersion blender to blend partially—leave some tomato skins whole for texture.
2. Stir in coconut milk; taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce if desired.

Step 5: Serve

Portion into bowls:
1. Top with fresh herbs and chili crisp.
2. Enjoy your Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup with steamed white rice or crusty bread!

This recipe yields about four servings with minimal effort but maximum flavor—perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

This Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a hearty side, this soup pairs beautifully with a range of accompaniments.

With Fresh Herbs

• Topped with Tender Herbs: Garnish your soup with assorted tender herbs like dill, mint, cilantro, or scallions for added freshness and flavor.
• Herb-Infused Oil: Drizzle some herb-infused olive oil on top to elevate the taste and presentation.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping, allowing you to savor every drop of the rich soup.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with buttery garlic bread for a delightful contrast of flavors.

As Part of a Meal

• Steamed White Rice: Serve the soup over steamed white rice to create a filling meal that absorbs the delicious flavors.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Enjoy alongside a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting and nostalgic experience.

In Bowls

• Soup Bowls for Sharing: Present the soup in large bowls for communal dining, making it perfect for family gatherings.
• Individual Serving Cups: Use small cups for a stylish appetizer at dinner parties.

How to Perfect Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

To ensure your Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup reaches its full potential, follow these helpful tips.

• Bold Flavors: Use high-quality gochujang to enhance the spiciness and depth of flavor in your soup.
• Tomato Variety: Experiment with different tomato varieties; cherry tomatoes provide sweetness while vine tomatoes add acidity.
• Simmer Longer: Letting the soup simmer longer can deepen the flavors; just be careful not to let it burn.
• Texture Preference: Blend to your desired texture; leaving some tomato skins whole adds rustic charm and texture.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of gochujang based on your heat preference; start with less if you’re cautious about spice.
• Chill Before Serving: Allowing the soup to cool slightly before serving can help meld the flavors together even more.

Best Side Dishes for Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

Pairing your Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Crusty Artisan Bread: A hearty loaf that’s perfect for dipping into the rich soup.
2. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with cucumber, vinegar, and sesame oil balances the warmth of the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients, making your meal more wholesome.
4. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad offers a nutritious side that complements the soup’s flavors.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice or lentils provide an additional layer of satisfaction to your meal.
6. Savory Scones: Herb-infused scones are great for dipping and can add an interesting twist to your meal.
7. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries offer a sweet and savory combo that pairs nicely with tomato soup.
8. Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with mixed greens dressed in lemon vinaigrette refreshes the palate between bites of rich soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup can be easy, but there are some common mistakes you should avoid for the best results.

• Bold Ingredient Choices: Using subpar tomatoes can affect the flavor of your soup. Opt for ripe cherry or vine tomatoes for a sweeter taste.
• Bold Cooking Temperature: Cooking on too high a heat can burn the garlic and gochujang. Maintain medium heat to properly caramelize without burning.
• Bold Measuring Ingredients: Not measuring ingredients accurately can alter the balance of flavors. Use measuring spoons and cups for precision.
• Bold Blending Technique: Over-blending can make the soup too smooth. Aim to leave some tomato skins intact for texture.
• Bold Garnishing Choices: Skipping fresh herbs or chili crisp can lead to a flat taste. Always top with herbs and a drizzle of chili crisp for added flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other types of tomatoes?

Yes! While cherry tomatoes work well, you can also use canned whole tomatoes or other varieties for different flavors.

How spicy is Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup?

The spice level depends on the amount of gochujang you add. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice, then adjust according to your taste.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better after sitting, so feel free to make it a day in advance.

What can I serve with Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or even dumplings for a hearty meal.

Is this recipe customizable?

Definitely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup is not only unique but also versatile. Its rich flavors and slight spice create a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste buds!

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Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the comforting and vibrant flavors of Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup. This delightful dish combines the sweetness of caramelized gochujang with rich, ripe tomatoes and creamy coconut milk, creating a unique blend that warms the soul.

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Ingredients

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• 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

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Instructions

1. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, warm olive oil. Sauté diced onion for 5-6 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic and ginger; stir to combine. Incorporate gochujang and cook for another 5-6 minutes until darkened.
3. Stir in halved tomatoes, soy sauce, and rice apple vinegar. Cook for 10-11 minutes until tomatoes burst.
4. Pour in vegetable stock and simmer for 8-10 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low, blend partially with an immersion blender, then stir in coconut milk. Adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot 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: 210
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 590mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg