Fragrant Spring Delight: Seasoned Chwinamul (Aster Scaber) Salad
Fragrant Spring Delight: Seasoned Chwinamul (Aster Scaber) Salad
Simple and Delicious Seasoned Chwinamul Recipe Using Fresh Spring Aster Scaber
Savor the deep, aromatic essence of spring with this delightful Chwinamul (Aster Scaber) salad. Lightly blanched to preserve its crisp texture and seasoned with a savory soy sauce-based dressing, this dish is a perfect accompaniment to rice. It’s an ideal healthy side dish to invigorate your appetite during springtime!
Main Ingredients- 1 basket fresh Chwinamul (Aster Scaber) (approx. 200-300g)
- 1 Tbsp coarse salt (for blanching)
Seasoning- 1.5 Tbsp Korean soy sauce for soup (adjust to taste and quantity of chwinamul)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic (for a hint of pungency)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for extra nuttiness!)
- 1.5 Tbsp Korean soy sauce for soup (adjust to taste and quantity of chwinamul)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic (for a hint of pungency)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for extra nuttiness!)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the Chwinamul. Remove any wilted or mushy leaves, and trim off any tough, thick stems. That’s all the preparation needed! Using primarily fresh, young leaves will ensure a tender and delicious result.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt. Carefully add the Chwinamul and blanch for a very short time, about 30 seconds only. Be careful not to over-blanch, as it can become too soft! Immediately remove the blanched Chwinamul and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water at least 3 times. Rinsing in cold water helps maintain its vibrant green color and crisp texture.
Step 3
After rinsing, gently squeeze out as much water as possible from the Chwinamul using your hands. It’s important to remove excess water, otherwise, the seasoning may not adhere well. Once drained, roughly chop the Chwinamul into bite-sized pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.
Step 4
Now it’s time for the delicious seasoning! Add the specified amounts of Korean soy sauce for soup, fragrant sesame oil, pungent minced garlic, and finally, a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to the bowl with the Chwinamul. You can adjust the amount of soy sauce based on the quantity of Chwinamul you’re using and your personal preference.
Step 5
Gently toss and mix the Chwinamul with the seasoning using your hands until everything is well combined. The key is to mix gently so as not to mash the delicate greens. Once evenly seasoned, your delicious Chwinamul salad is ready! It can be enjoyed immediately, or chilled in the refrigerator for a short while to allow the flavors to meld further.
