Sooha: The Ultimate Guide to Korean Comfort Food

What is Sooha?

Sooha (수하) is a Korean word that means “water meal” or “soup meal”. It refers to a simple but satisfying dish that consists of rice, soup, and various side dishes, such as kimchi, pickles, eggs, fish, meat, or vegetables. Sooha is a common meal in Korea, especially among farmers, workers, and students who need a quick and filling meal. Sooha can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, depending on one’s preference and availability of ingredients.

How to Make Sooha

There is no fixed recipe for sooha, as it can be customized according to one’s taste and what one has on hand. However, there are some basic steps to follow when making sooha:

• Cook rice in a pot or a rice cooker. You can use white rice, brown rice, or mixed grains. The rice should be fluffy and not too sticky.
• Prepare the soup. You can use any kind of broth, such as chicken, beef, vegetable, or seafood. You can also add seasonings, such as soy sauce, salt, pepper, garlic, ginger, or red pepper flakes. You can also add noodles, dumplings, tofu, or other ingredients to make the soup more substantial.
• Prepare the side dishes. You can use any kind of banchan (반찬), which are small dishes that accompany the main meal in Korean cuisine. Some common banchan are kimchi (fermented cabbage), kkakdugi (radish kimchi), namul (seasoned vegetables), jeon (pan-fried pancakes), jangjorim (soy-braised beef), gyeranjjim (steamed eggs), and saengseon gui (grilled fish). You can also make your own banchan with whatever you have in your fridge or pantry.
• Serve the sooha. Place the rice in a large bowl and ladle the soup over it. Arrange the side dishes around the bowl or on a separate plate. Enjoy the sooha with a spoon and chopsticks.

Why Sooha is Good for You

Sooha is not only delicious but also nutritious. Here are some of the benefits of eating sooha:

• It provides a balanced diet. Sooha contains carbohydrates from rice, protein from soup and side dishes, and vitamins and minerals from vegetables and fruits. It also provides fiber and probiotics from fermented foods like kimchi.
• It boosts your immune system. Sooha is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help fight off infections and diseases. It also contains beneficial bacteria from fermented foods that can improve your gut health and digestion.
• It warms you up. Sooha is a hot dish that can help you cope with cold weather and keep you cozy. It also stimulates your blood circulation and metabolism, which can help you burn calories and lose weight.
• It comforts you. Sooha is a simple but satisfying dish that can make you feel happy and relaxed. It can also remind you of home and family, as it is often eaten together with loved ones.

Conclusion

Sooha is a Korean comfort food that consists of rice, soup, and various side dishes. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed anytime. It is also easy to make and customize according to your taste and availability of ingredients. Sooha is not only delicious but also nutritious, as it provides a balanced diet, boosts your immune system, warms you up, and comforts you. If you are looking for a new way to enjoy Korean cuisine or just want to try something different, give sooha a try. You won’t regret it!