How to Make Delicious Dongchimi
How to Make Delicious Dongchimi
Super Simple! How to Make Refreshing Dongchimi Sweetened with Apples
I hadn’t planned on making dongchimi this year, but when my eldest son came home and mentioned wanting some, I quickly made it. The natural sweetness of the apples is enough to make it delicious without any added sugar. Let’s make this wonderfully refreshing and clean-tasting dongchimi together!
Main Ingredients- 1 medium-sized radish
- 1.5 medium-sized apples
- 2L purified water
Seasoning & Other Ingredients- 1 cup coarse sea salt (for salting radish)
- 1 heaping tablespoon coarse sea salt (for seasoning)
- 2 large green chili peppers
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup coarse sea salt (for salting radish)
- 1 heaping tablespoon coarse sea salt (for seasoning)
- 2 large green chili peppers
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare one medium-sized radish by trimming it cleanly. Wash the outer surface of the radish thoroughly under running water.
Step 2
Cut the trimmed radish into bite-sized pieces. Halve the radish into roughly three sections, then cut each section into four pieces, making about 3-4 cm long chunks. This makes it easier to salt and helps the broth to infuse well.
Step 3
In a large basin, add 1 cup of coarse sea salt. Place the cut radish pieces into the salt and gently roll them around to coat evenly. Toss them carefully so the salt adheres uniformly to all the radish pieces.
Step 4
Layer the salted radish pieces into your kimchi container or vessel. Avoid pressing down too firmly; place them gently.
Step 5
Close the lid of the container and leave it at room temperature until the radish becomes tender and pliable. Radish will release water during this process.
Step 6
The radish is ready when it bends easily without breaking. If you have a small amount of radish, one day is usually sufficient, but a larger batch might take an extra day or two. Check the tenderness of the radish.
Step 7
You’ll notice a significant amount of liquid has been released from the radish as it salted. Do not discard this flavorful liquid; we will use it as is. This water forms the base of your dongchimi broth.
Step 8
Now, prepare the additional ingredients that will enhance the flavor of your dongchimi. Have ready 1.5 apples, 2 green chili peppers, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
Step 9
Core the apples and slice them thinly. Finely chop the green chili peppers and ensure your garlic is minced. Slicing the ingredients thinly will allow the flavors to meld better into the broth.
Step 10
Add the chopped green chili peppers and minced garlic to the container with the salted radish. These will add a pleasant pungency and aroma, enriching the dongchimi’s profile.
Step 11
Next, distribute the thinly sliced apples evenly over the radish. The apples will contribute a natural sweetness and umami flavor.
Step 12
Finally, add 1 heaping tablespoon of coarse sea salt to adjust the seasoning. Taste and add more if needed, according to your preference.
Step 13
Pour the 2L of purified water into the container. Ensure the water level is sufficient to submerge the dongchimi ingredients.
Step 14
Close the lid and let it ferment at room temperature for about 3 days. Then, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it mature for another 6 days. After a total of approximately 9 days of fermentation and aging, you will have a delicious dongchimi with a perfectly sweet and sour, refreshing taste. It’s incredibly tasty!
