Salmon Napa Cabbage Soup (연어 알배추 수프)
A hearty salmon and napa cabbage soup that brings to mind a Norwegian grandmother's cooking, perfect for chilly weather.
📝 Editor's Notes
This Salmon Napa Cabbage Soup, perfect for chilly weather, is a warm and hearty one-bowl dish reminiscent of a Norwegian grandmother's cooking.
Leeks, bacon, and potatoes are thoroughly sautéed to develop a deep umami flavor, while milk and heavy cream add creaminess.
The rich flavor of smoked salmon and the freshness of lemon juice balance the taste, preventing it from becoming too rich.
While the cooking time is a bit long, over 2 hours, the effort results in a deep and rich flavor.
It's a satisfying and hearty meal perfect for the whole family.
🛒 Ingredient Tips
Leeks, a key ingredient in this soup, offer a more subtle and sweet flavor than the white parts of green onions, enhancing the soup's aroma.
Choose leeks that are firm, have fresh leaves, and a long, plump white part.
Napa cabbage should have clean outer leaves, be tightly packed, and feel heavy when lifted to ensure freshness.
It's especially in season from fall to winter, offering a sweeter and crispier taste.
For smoked salmon, choose a product that isn't too salty, has firm flesh, and a glossy appearance.
Fresh ingredients are the secret to a delicious soup.
🔄 Substitution Guide
You can use the white parts of green onions instead of leeks.
While the unique subtle sweetness and aroma of leeks might be slightly less prominent, it will still achieve a sufficiently similar flavor.
Like leeks, green onions should be thinly sliced.
If you don't have smoked salmon, you can grill fresh salmon fillets or use canned salmon.
If using fresh salmon, season it with salt and pepper and pan-fry it lightly before adding it to the soup for a richer, nuttier flavor.
You can also use vegetable broth or water instead of diluted chicken broth, but chicken broth plays a significant role in developing the deep flavor of the soup, so it's recommended if possible.
🥘 Ingredients
👨🍳 Cooking Points
The most important cooking points are, first, thoroughly sautéing the leeks, bacon, and potatoes to bring out their savory flavor.
Use generous amounts of olive oil and butter, and sauté over medium-low heat for at least 15 minutes to fully develop the ingredients' sweetness and umami.
Second, controlling the heat is crucial when adding milk and chicken broth and simmering.
Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer gently for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen and the soup to reach the right consistency.
Finally, don't forget to add lemon juice at the final stage of the soup to enhance its clean and refreshing taste.
This is the hidden charm of this soup.
👨🍳 Directions
Thinly slice 2 stalks of leeks.
Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a pan and sauté the leeks.
Add 20g of butter and continue sautéing.
Season with salt and pepper, then mix well.
Cut bacon into appropriate sizes, add to the pan, and sauté thoroughly.
Cut 1 and a half potatoes, add to the pan, and sauté.
Add another 10g of butter and continue sautéing.
Cut the napa cabbage in half and wash thoroughly.
Cut half a head of napa cabbage into bite-sized pieces, add to the pan, and sauté.
Finely dice the carrot, add to the pan, and sauté.
Pour in milk and drizzle with heavy cream.
Add 1 tsp of minced garlic and mix well.
Pour in diluted chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Add a few sprigs of thyme and rosemary and stir.
Break smoked salmon into bite-sized pieces and add to the soup.
Sprinkle a pinch of ground nutmeg.
Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into the soup. (Adding lemon enhances the clean flavor.)
Cover and simmer over low heat.
Add cheese to taste, and the Salmon Napa Cabbage Soup is complete.
💡 Tips
You can use only the white parts of green onions, but leeks are better.
Sautéing bacon and potatoes can maximize the savory flavor.
Adding lemon juice enhances the clean taste of the soup.
📦 Storage & Reuse
Once the Salmon Napa Cabbage Soup is cooked, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
If you wish to store it longer, divide it into single-serving portions and freeze.
It can be stored in the freezer for about a month.
To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator or use the defrost function on a microwave, then transfer to a pot and gently warm over low heat.
You can add a little more milk or broth to adjust the consistency, allowing you to enjoy the soup as smooth as it was originally.
🥢 Who This Is For
This Salmon Napa Cabbage Soup is recommended for anyone seeking warm comfort on a chilly autumn day or cold winter evening.
It's especially great as a family meal because it's soft enough for children and seniors to enjoy.
It's perfect when you want a hearty yet nutritious meal.
For side dishes, prepare crispy whole wheat bread or focaccia to dip into the soup, which makes it even more delicious, and a fresh salad can provide a clean finish.
🔥 Nutrition Info
One serving of this Salmon Napa Cabbage Soup (based on 6 servings) is estimated to be approximately 350-450 kcal.
Protein is around 20-25g, fat 25-30g, and carbohydrates 20-25g.
Smoked salmon is rich in high-quality protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, contributing to cardiovascular health.
Napa cabbage and leeks are rich in Vitamin C and dietary fiber, beneficial for boosting immunity and gut health.
Potatoes provide carbohydrates and B vitamins, while milk and heavy cream add calcium and fat for satiety and creaminess.
Overall, it will be a warm and balanced nutritious meal.
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