Chwinamul Salad: A Flavorful Korean Spring Vegetable Side Dish
Chwinamul Salad: A Flavorful Korean Spring Vegetable Side Dish
#SpringVegetables #Namul #ChwinamulSalad #KoreanSeasoning #BibimbapIngredients
Chwinamul, a vibrant Korean herb, is often associated with spring but is now available year-round thanks to cultivation techniques. Unlike spring greens like ‘bomdong’ or ‘dureup’, chwinamul offers a unique chewy texture with a delightful bittersweet and nutty flavor. This recipe transforms it into a delicious namul (seasoned vegetable side dish) that pairs wonderfully with rice. We’ve seasoned it with anchovy sauce (not tuna sauce!) and plum extract to balance its natural bitterness and add a touch of sweetness and savory depth. Enjoy this flavorful and healthy chwinamul salad to elevate your dining experience!
Ingredients- 400g Chwinamul (Korean aster)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp chopped scallions
- 3 Tbsp anchovy sauce
- 2 Tbsp plum extract
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the chwinamul. Trim any tough stems. Since it can retain a lot of soil, wash the greens thoroughly in cold running water at least 10 times until completely clean.
Step 2
Drain the washed chwinamul in a colander. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add a pinch of salt. Blanch the chwinamul for about 5 minutes; this is longer than for some other greens like chamnamul to ensure tenderness. Immediately transfer the blanched greens to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, gently squeeze out excess water.
Step 3
Place the squeezed chwinamul in a mixing bowl. Add all the seasoning ingredients: minced garlic, chopped scallions, anchovy sauce, plum extract, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. The anchovy sauce and plum extract are key to balancing the chwinamul’s natural bitterness.
Step 4
Gently toss and mix the chwinamul with the seasonings using your hands until everything is well combined. The anchovy sauce adds a wonderful umami flavor, while the plum extract brings a subtle sweetness. This creates a delicious and aromatic chwinamul salad. Enjoy the unique slightly bitter, nutty, and savory taste!
