Cold Soybean Noodles

Cold Soybean Noodles, also known as Kong Guksu, is a refreshing Korean delicacy perfect for sweltering summer days. This chilled and mild noodle dish offers a delightful nutty taste, making it a popular choice for vegans and anyone seeking a healthy, filling, and easy-to-prepare meal. Embodying the essence of Korean cuisine, Kong Guksu combines simplicity with rich flavors, creating a dish that celebrates the goodness of soybeans and the joy of savoring a nourishing bowl of cold noodles. With minimal cooking involved and a delightful blend of textures and tastes, this vegan-friendly dish is bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup dried soybeans
• 8 ounces wheat flour noodles (somyeon)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 3 tablespoons pine nuts (optional)
• 3 or 4 ice cubes or ½ cup crushed ice
• Matchstick-sliced cucumbers, for garnish (optional)
• Sliced tomatoes, for garnish (optional)
• Additional sesame seeds, pine nuts, or peanuts, for garnish (optional)

PREPARATIONS:

1. Soak the soybeans overnight in a bowl of cold water or in hot water for 1 to 2 hours. Drain.
2. Put the soybeans in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer vigorously for about 20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to the package directions. Rinse them in cold water.
4. Drain the soybeans and rinse them under cold water, rubbing them between your hands to remove the skins.
5. In a blender, purée the cooked soybeans, salt, sesame seeds, and pine nuts, if using, with about 4 cups of water. You might have to do this in a few batches. When the mixture becomes smooth, add 3 or 4 ice cubes or ½ cup crushed ice and purée until smooth and frothy. If you want a smoother texture, pass the mixture through a sieve and discard the solids.
6. To serve, put a mound of noodles in each bowl, cover with soybean sauce, and top with any of the garnishes (if desired). You can also add a couple of ice cubes to each bowl if you like it very cold.

YIELD: Serves 4 to 6

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• The soybean sauce is basically seasoned soy milk, so you can drink any leftovers if you wish.

TIPS:

• For a smoother texture in the soybean sauce, pass the mixture through a sieve and discard the solids.
• Customize the garnishes to your liking by adding matchstick-sliced cucumbers, sliced tomatoes, or additional sesame seeds, pine nuts, or peanuts.
• If you prefer a colder dish, add a couple of ice cubes to each bowl before serving.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• Calories: 329 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 801 mg
• Fiber: 7 g
• Sugar: 2 g

In conclusion, Cold Soybean Noodles, or Kong Guksu, is a delightful representation of Korean cuisine, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. With its nutty undertones and refreshing nature, this vegan-friendly dish has the power to cool and nourish on the hottest of days. As you take your first spoonful of the chilled soybean sauce and savor the tender wheat flour noodles, you embark on a culinary journey that connects you to the heart of Korea’s culinary heritage.

Embracing the essence of simplicity and affordability, Kong Guksu showcases the versatility of soybeans and their ability to transform into a satisfying and wholesome dish. The combination of soybeans, sesame seeds, and optional pine nuts results in a creamy and flavorsome sauce, accentuated by the coolness of crushed ice or ice cubes.

As you explore variations of garnishes, from crisp cucumbers to juicy tomatoes, you infuse the dish with colors and textures that elevate the overall dining experience. This vegan masterpiece welcomes creativity, allowing you to customize the bowl to your personal taste preferences.

Indeed, Kong Guksu is more than a mere dish; it is a culinary celebration, encapsulating the spirit of Korean culture and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. As you indulge in the goodness of this cold noodle delight, you embrace the traditions of Korea and find comfort in the knowledge that simplicity and natural ingredients can create extraordinary flavors.

So, let Kong Guksu be your go-to recipe on hot summer days, bringing a taste of Korea’s culinary heritage to your table. With its ease of preparation and delightful flavors, this vegan-friendly dish promises to become a cherished favorite among your family and friends.