Refreshing Seasoned Bellflower and Cucumber Salad
Refreshing Seasoned Bellflower and Cucumber Salad
Beat the Dust and Haze: Delicious Seasoned Bellflower and Cucumber Salad Recipe
A delightful side dish to combat fine dust and yellow dust, this seasoned bellflower and cucumber salad will awaken your appetite. It’s a perfect rice companion!
Main Ingredients- 130g bellflower root (doraji)
- 1 cucumber
- 0.5 Tbsp coarse salt (for salting cucumber)
Seasoning Mix- 1.5 Tbsp red chili paste (gochujang)
- 1.5 Tbsp red chili flakes (gochugaru)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (mulyeot)
- Pinch of salt (to adjust seasoning)
- 0.5 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 1.5 Tbsp red chili paste (gochujang)
- 1.5 Tbsp red chili flakes (gochugaru)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (mulyeot)
- Pinch of salt (to adjust seasoning)
- 0.5 Tbsp sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the fresh cucumber under running water. Trim off a small bit from both ends, as these parts can sometimes be bitter. Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, then cut each half again into two pieces. Using a spoon, gently scrape out the seedy core to make it cleaner.
Step 2
Slice the prepared cucumber diagonally into pieces about 0.5 cm thick. This shape allows the seasoning to penetrate beautifully, making it even tastier.
Step 3
Place the sliced cucumber in a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt. Mix well to coat the cucumber evenly, then let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out moisture. This step makes the cucumber extra crunchy.
Step 4
For the bellflower root, add half a tablespoon of coarse salt and knead it vigorously (‘barak-barak’) to remove any bitterness. Rinse it under clean water 2-3 times to ensure all bitterness is gone, then squeeze out excess water thoroughly with your hands. Properly removing the bitterness is key to a delicious dish.
Step 5
Rinse the salted cucumber lightly under water and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Also, make sure the bellflower root is completely drained of water, then add both to the bowl.
Step 6
Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning mix. Add the gochujang, gochugaru, minced garlic, plum extract, vinegar, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sesame seeds to the bowl with the cucumber and bellflower root.
Step 7
Gently mix everything together with your hands until the seasoning is evenly distributed. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed. Your flavorful and crunchy seasoned bellflower and cucumber salad is ready! Enjoy it as a special treat when you have a poor appetite.
