조개미역국 Clams and seaweed soup for MRF. The seaweed soup is also known as the birthday soup, as it is the first meal served to a new mother after birth and it is traditionally served at every birthday table. Yes, yes...American kids get a birthday cake, Korean kids get the seaweed soup. But it’s so delicious! And so good for you, even if you’re not a new mom. It is a good source of calcium, iodine and omega-3 fatty acid. I thought my friend can use all those recovering from her accident. I made this one sort of off the cuff. The little neck clams from @monahans_seafood looked so good the other day. I cooked the little neck clams until they open, pulled them out of hot water, then set them aside. I used that clam water as the base of the rich dried anchovy and dashima stock. Once the stock was made, I added the seaweed and garlic, seasoned with soy sauce and salt. Then added back the clams at the last minute. It’s briney, deep and satisfying. I served it with the last of the stuffed pepper kimchi and some rice. It doesn’t have to be your birthday to enjoy that.