Savory and Aromatic Sassafras Leaf Salad
Savory and Aromatic Sassafras Leaf Salad
Spring Delicacy: A Fragrant and Nutty Sassafras Leaf Side Dish for Lunchboxes
The tender young sassafras leaves are emerging right now, bursting with the fragrant essence of spring. Sassafras has a wonderfully nutty aroma, perfect for making delicious side dishes. Enjoy this recipe to add a special spring flavor to your meals. It’s simple yet incredibly tasty!
Main Ingredients- Fresh sassafras leaves 150g
Seasoning- Doenjang (Korean soybean paste) 1/2 Tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 1/2 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic a little
- Toasted sesame seeds a little
- Doenjang (Korean soybean paste) 1/2 Tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste) 1/2 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic a little
- Toasted sesame seeds a little
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the sassafras leaves. Select the tender, young shoots for the best flavor and texture.
Step 2
When trimming the leaves, you might notice small branches attached. Carefully cut these off, leaving only the clean leaves to ensure a smooth salad.
Step 3
Rinse the prepared sassafras leaves thoroughly under running water multiple times to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 4
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is bubbling vigorously, proceed to the next step.
Step 5
Add the sassafras leaves to the boiling water along with a pinch of salt. It’s crucial not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. Boil for just about 30 seconds to 1 minute, flipping them once, then immediately remove them from the water.
Step 6
Immediately plunge the blanched sassafras leaves into cold water to cool them down. This step is key to preserving their crisp texture and fresh taste. Squeeze out any excess water thoroughly.
Step 7
In a mixing bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients: doenjang, gochujang, sesame oil, minced garlic, and toasted sesame seeds.
Step 8
Using a spoon, mix these seasoning ingredients together until you have a well-combined, flavorful paste.
Step 9
Add the cooled, squeezed sassafras leaves to the bowl with the seasoned paste. Gently toss and mix everything together, ensuring the leaves are evenly coated with the seasoning. Be careful not to mash the leaves.
Step 10
Your delicious and aromatic sassafras leaf salad is now ready! Enjoy this taste of spring, perfect as a healthy and flavorful side dish.
