So recently, I’ve been trying to clean up my eating again — you know, one of those “okay let’s reset everything” moments. And whenever that happens, 

I always end up making this one thing: Korean-style Witch’s Soup.

It’s something a lot of people here in Korea actually make when they want to feel lighter, lose a bit of weight, or just take a break from heavy food. For me, it’s my ultimate go-to whenever I want to feel less bloated and more in control of my meals.

Image captured and edited from Naver search results ("마녀수프").

🍅 What is Witch’s Soup?

It’s super easy to make, and you can eat a lot of it without feeling guilty at all!

🧙‍♀️ Why Do Koreans Call It “Witch’s Soup”?

If you ask a Korean what “Witch’s Soup” is, they’ll probably tell you it’s a cabbage-based soup you eat to lose weight fast. But where did the name come from?

There are a couple of fun theories.

Either way, the name stuck — and now, when someone says they’re eating witch’s soup, we all know they’re trying to slim down or reset their meals!

🥕 My Korean-Style Witch’s Soup Recipe

Ingredients (for 2–3 days)

• 1/2 head of cabbage

• 1 onion

• 1/2 carrot

• 1 zucchini (or Korean squash)

• 1 green onion

• 1 tomato (or 1 cup unsweetened tomato juice)

• A handful of mushrooms (I like oyster or shiitake)

• 1 tbsp minced garlic

• 1.5L kelp or anchovy broth (or just water if you’re lazy 😅)

• 1 tbsp Korean soy sauce (for soup)

• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt & pepper (just a little)

How to make it:

1. Start with a broth — I usually boil some dried kelp or anchovies for 15 mins.

2. While that’s going, chop up all your veggies into big chunks.

3. Throw everything into the pot and bring it to a boil.

4. Add the tomato (or tomato juice), and simmer for about 20 minutes.

5. Season lightly with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.

6. If you like it spicy, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes!

Done! That’s it. Super simple.

🥣 How I Eat It During Diet Weeks

When I’m doing a “cleanse” week or want to lose a bit of puffiness, I eat like this:

• Breakfast: Boiled egg + black coffee

• Lunch: Witch’s soup + tofu or chicken breast

• Dinner: Just the soup (sometimes with a boiled egg)

✅ What It Does for Me

• De-bloats like magic: Even after the first day, I feel so much lighter

• Helps with cravings: Warm soup keeps me full, so I don’t end up snacking

• Easy digestion: My stomach thanks me every time I eat this

Also... it’s cozy. It’s like self-care in a bowl. 💛

⚠️ A Few Tips

• Don’t do this long-term — it’s great for 3–5 days, not forever

• Add some protein! Eggs, tofu, or chicken breast help balance it out

• Keep the seasoning light — your taste buds adjust after a day or two

✨ Final Thoughts