Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

This Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup is a delightful fusion of flavors, offering a spicy kick from caramelized gochujang and a rich depth from simmered tomatoes. Perfect for cozy dinners or a quick lunch, this soup is fully plant-based, easy to prepare, and ready in no time. Its unique taste makes it stand out among traditional tomato soups, making it a must-try for any food lover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 45 minutes from prep to table, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Packed: The caramelization of gochujang adds a depth of flavor that elevates the humble tomato soup to new heights.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own, with crusty bread, or over rice for a heartier meal.
• Plant-Based Goodness: Made entirely from plant-based ingredients, it’s healthy without sacrificing taste.
• Customizable Toppings: Top with fresh herbs and chili crisp to add your personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right tools can enhance your cooking experience and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking and helps develop rich flavors during the simmering process.
• Immersion blender: Allows you to blend the soup directly in the pot for convenience and easy cleanup.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables while keeping your kitchen organized.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes preparation quicker and safer when dicing ingredients.

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 deeply rich from slowly simmered tomatoes with just a touch of coconut milk. It’s fully plant-based, easy to make, and ready in minutes.

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

For Creaminess

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

For Garnish

• Assorted tender herbs (dill, mint, cilantro, scallions, for serving)
• 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 a minute.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add in the diced onion:
1. Cook while stirring occasionally until slightly softened, about 5-6 minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic and ginger.

Step 3: Caramelize Gochujang

Add in the gochujang:
1. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
2. Cook together while stirring often for 5-6 minutes until the gochujang darkens slightly as it caramelizes.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes:
1. Add soy sauce and vinegar; stir everything together.
2. Cook while stirring occasionally for 10-11 minutes until tomatoes are burst and jammy.
3. Pour in vegetable stock; stir well.

Step 5: Simmer and Blend

Bring mixture to a simmer:
1. Let it cook for an additional 8-10 minutes.
2. Reduce heat to low; blend with an immersion blender until desired consistency is reached—leave some tomato skins intact if preferred.

Step 6: Finish with Coconut Milk

Stir in the coconut milk:
1. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with soy sauce if needed.

Step 7: Serve

Portion into bowls:
1. Top each serving with assorted tender herbs and chili crisp.
2. Enjoy your soup with steamed white rice or crusty bread!

How to Serve Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

Serving Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup is a delightful experience that complements its rich and spicy flavors. Here are some creative suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Dill: Sprinkle fresh dill on top for a refreshing contrast.
• Cilantro: Add chopped cilantro for an aromatic touch that brightens the soup.
• Mint: Use fresh mint leaves to introduce a cooling effect with every spoonful.

Accompanied by Chili Crisp

• Chili Crisp: Drizzle chili crisp over the soup for an added layer of spice and crunch, enhancing its flavor profile.

Served with Starches

• Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping and soaking in the delicious broth.
• Steamed Rice: Serve with steamed white rice to balance the spiciness and add heartiness to your meal.

How to Perfect Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

To achieve the best version of Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup, consider these essential tips.

• Use ripe tomatoes: Opt for fresh, ripe cherry or vine tomatoes for maximum flavor.
• Balance sweetness: Adjust the amount of gochujang according to your spice preference; caramelizing enhances its sweetness.
• Blend texture: Blend only part of the soup to retain some tomato chunks for added texture.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust with more soy sauce or herbs as needed.
• Simmer longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen its flavors significantly.

Best Side Dishes for Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

Pairing side dishes with Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, providing a satisfying crunch.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies adds freshness and complements the rich flavors of the soup.
3. Vegetable Spring Rolls: These crispy rolls filled with fresh veggies bring a delightful crunch alongside the soup.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Serve seasonal roasted vegetables seasoned simply with salt and pepper as a hearty side.
5. Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad brings a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy soup.
6. Rice Noodles: Lightly seasoned rice noodles can be served on the side or incorporated into the soup for added substance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the caramelization step: Failing to properly caramelize the gochujang can lead to a flat flavor. Make sure to cook it until it darkens and develops a rich taste.
• Using undercooked tomatoes: Not allowing the tomatoes to burst can result in a soupy texture rather than a jammy one. Cook them long enough until they are soft and juicy.
• Ignoring seasoning balance: Overlooking the seasoning can make your soup taste bland. Adjust with additional soy sauce or salt as needed for depth.
• Blending too finely: Blending the soup too much can eliminate texture. Leave some tomato skins whole for added visual appeal and bite.
• Not adjusting coconut milk: Using too much coconut milk can overpower the soup’s flavor. Start with half a cup and adjust according to your taste preference.
• Neglecting fresh herbs for serving: Skipping garnishes like herbs or chili crisp can diminish presentation and flavor. Don’t forget to add these vibrant toppings before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave space in containers as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil; heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other types of tomatoes?

Yes! You can substitute any type of ripe tomatoes, but cherry or vine tomatoes give the best flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce, this Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup is gluten-free!

How spicy is this soup?

The spice level depends on the amount of gochujang used. Feel free to adjust based on your preference!

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld together.

Final Thoughts

This Caramelized Gochujang Tomato Soup is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to customize. You can add vegetables or proteins of your choice for added nutrition. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!