Menu
Korean-style serving of Shepherd's-purse soup

냉이국 · Shepherd's-purse soup

Shepherd's-purse soup

냉이국

What exactly is it?

Leaves and fine roots of shepherd’s purse simmer in soybean-paste broth. Its earthy root aroma distinguishes it from spinach soup. Tofu or clams may be added, depending on the cook.

Main ingredients

Shepherd’s purse, soybean paste, sometimes tofu or clams, water or stock

Ordering and serving

Try a little broth first if the aroma is unfamiliar, then taste the roots. Some versions include clams, so a vegetable name does not guarantee seafood-free soup.

Origins and changes

It belongs to the seasonal practice of eating early-spring shepherd’s purse as soup or seasoned greens. The fine roots are cleaned and cooked with the leaves, spreading their aroma through the soybean-paste broth.

Sources checked

Related foods

How do similar dishes compare?

Choose a dish to compare ingredients, flavor and serving style side by side.

Dish to compare

Shepherd's-purse soup

냉이국

Main ingredients
Shepherd’s purse, soybean paste, sometimes tofu or clams, water or stock
Flavor and character
Leaves and fine roots of shepherd’s purse simmer in soybean-paste broth. Its earthy root aroma distinguishes it from spinach soup. Tofu or clams may be added, depending on the cook.
How to eat it
Try a little broth first if the aroma is unfamiliar, then taste the roots. Some versions include clams, so a vegetable name does not guarantee seafood-free soup.
Read about this dish →

Soybean-paste soup

된장국

Main ingredients
Soybean paste, greens such as cabbage or spinach, water or anchovy stock
Flavor and character
Soybean paste seasons a generous broth containing greens. Compared with a concentrated doenjang-jjigae, it usually fills the soup role beside rice and side dishes. Cabbage, spinach or mallow change its aroma and texture.
How to eat it
Distinguish an included side soup from a full meal order. Soybean paste contains soy and commercial products may include wheat; the broth also affects whether the dish is vegetarian.
Read about this dish →
Find nearby food places →

Check the restaurant’s actual menu for the dish you want.