Summer Seasonal Delicacy: Seasoned Pepper Leaves with Miso (Gochut-ip Namul Muchim)
July’s Seasonal Greens: Pepper Leaves Salad with Miso (Gochut-ip Namul Muchim / Gochut-ip Doenjang Muchim) – A Delightfully Bitter and Savory Side Dish
A healthy and simple side dish, this seasoned pepper leaves salad is made by lightly tossing fresh pepper leaves with a savory miso dressing. It offers a delightful balance of slight bitterness and nutty richness.
Main Ingredients
- 1 basket fresh pepper leaves (approx. 200-300g)
- 1 Tbsp coarse salt (for blanching)
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp soybean paste (doenjang)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic (approx. 1/2 tsp)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds (ground or whole)
- 1 Tbsp soybean paste (doenjang)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic (approx. 1/2 tsp)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds (ground or whole)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the pepper leaves. Remove any wilted or damaged leaves and any dirt or debris. Trim away any tough, fibrous stems. Rinse the leaves thoroughly several times under cold running water to ensure they are clean.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt. Carefully add the prepared fresh pepper leaves and blanch them for just about 30 seconds. It’s crucial not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. Immediately after blanching, drain the leaves and rinse them under cold running water to cool them down rapidly.
Step 3
After rinsing in cold water, firmly squeeze out as much excess water as possible from the pepper leaves. You can gently squeeze them with your hands or use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth for more efficient water removal. Properly draining the leaves prevents the seasoning from becoming watery.
Step 4
Transfer the squeezed pepper leaves to a mixing bowl. Add all the seasoning ingredients: 1 tablespoon of soybean paste, 0.5 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of perilla oil, and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds.
Step 5
Gently toss and mix the ingredients with your hands, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the pepper leaves. Be careful not to over-mix or mash the leaves; a gentle, light hand is best for preserving their texture. Once well-seasoned, your delicious and healthy pepper leaves salad with miso is ready to be served!
