Sweet & Refreshing Peach Water Kimchi
Sweet & Refreshing Peach Water Kimchi
How to Make Peach Water Kimchi: A Summer Delicacy to Revive Your Appetite
As summer arrives, bringing with it soaring temperatures, our appetites often dwindle. This season calls for a refreshing twist on traditional kimchi! Introducing Peach Water Kimchi, a delightful dish perfect for hot days. Made with firm, ripe peaches, this kimchi offers a delightful balance of sweetness and a refreshing crunch from crisp vegetables. The natural sweetness of the peaches, combined with their fragrant aroma, creates a palate-cleansing experience that invigorates your senses. Let’s make this simple yet incredibly delicious summer kimchi together!
Kimchi Ingredients- 250g firm peaches
- 100g cabbage
- 50g mini bell peppers
- 15g chives or green onions
Water Kimchi Broth Seasoning- 1200ml water (approx. 6 cups)
- 1 tbsp coarse sea salt or Korean salt (approx. 20g)
Seasonings for Blending- 1/2 ripe peach
- 1/4 onion
- 2 red chilies
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 packet of store-bought apple juice (or pear juice)
- 1200ml water (approx. 6 cups)
- 1 tbsp coarse sea salt or Korean salt (approx. 20g)
Seasonings for Blending- 1/2 ripe peach
- 1/4 onion
- 2 red chilies
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 packet of store-bought apple juice (or pear juice)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare a clean kimchi container for your Peach Water Kimchi. Pour 1200ml (about 6 cups) of fresh, cool water into the container. Add 1 tablespoon (approximately 20g) of coarse sea salt or Korean salt. It’s best to start with the brine slightly less salty than you think, as the flavor will concentrate as the kimchi ferments.
Step 2
Stir the brine thoroughly with a spoon until the salt is completely dissolved, ensuring a clear and clean base for your kimchi. Make sure no salt crystals remain at the bottom.
Step 3
Prepare the ingredients for the blended seasoning base that will give the water kimchi its depth of flavor. Chop the red chilies, onion, garlic cloves, and the half peach into rough chunks. This will help them blend smoothly.
Step 4
Have one packet of store-bought apple juice ready. The apple juice adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the Peach Water Kimchi, making it even more delicious. If apple juice isn’t available, pear juice is a great substitute. The key is to utilize the natural sweetness of fruits.
Step 5
Add the chopped red chilies, onion, garlic, peach, and the apple juice to your blender. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a small amount of water to help achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Blend until all ingredients are finely pureed.
Step 6
Transfer the blended mixture into a fine-mesh sieve or a piece of cheesecloth placed over a bowl. Press down on the solids with a spoon or spatula to extract all the liquid. You want to collect only the clear juice, as this will ensure a clean and refined taste for your water kimchi.
Step 7
This strained juice, rich with the essence of peaches and other fruits and vegetables, will form the flavorful base of your water kimchi broth. It’s important to capture the natural aroma and sweetness of the ingredients.
Step 8
Pour the flavorful blended juice into the prepared brine. Gently stir with a spoon to combine the juice and brine evenly. You’ll notice the broth taking on a beautiful color and a delightful aroma.
Step 9
Prepare the firm peaches, which are the star ingredient. Wash them thoroughly, pat them dry, and then slice them thinly. Try to cut around the pit to maintain their shape.
Step 10
Slice the thinly cut peaches again into bite-sized cubes, approximately 2cm in size. Using firm peaches is crucial for maintaining the delightful crunch in your water kimchi.
Step 11
Prepare the complementary vegetables: cabbage, chives (or green onions), and mini bell peppers. Dice the cabbage and bell peppers into roughly 2cm cubes, similar in size to the peach pieces. Cut the chives or green onions into 3-4cm lengths. Using colorful bell peppers will make your water kimchi visually appealing.
Step 12
Now, combine all the prepared ingredients—the diced peaches, cabbage, bell peppers, and chives—into the flavorful water kimchi broth. Gently stir everything together, ensuring all ingredients are submerged in the liquid. Your incredibly simple and delicious Peach Water Kimchi is ready to be further seasoned!
Step 13
This recipe bypasses the traditional steps of making kimchi paste or porridge, making it wonderfully quick and easy. While you can taste it immediately, it’s highly recommended to let the Peach Water Kimchi ferment in the refrigerator for at least one day before enjoying. It will be at its best between 1 week and 10 days after preparation.
Step 14
Seal the kimchi container tightly and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to ferment for a minimum of 24 hours. The cold temperature helps develop the flavors and maintain freshness.
Step 15
After 24 hours, open the lid of the kimchi container. You’ll be greeted by the refreshing and appetizing aroma characteristic of well-fermented water kimchi. Get ready to savor your creation!
Step 16
The well-fermented Peach Water Kimchi boasts a delightful crispness from all the ingredients. The subtle sweetness of the peaches, the bright tanginess of the fruit, and the freshness of the vegetables harmonize to create a clean yet deeply satisfying umami flavor. It’s truly a unique water kimchi experience.
Step 17
Enjoy your perfectly made Peach Water Kimchi! It’s guaranteed to revive your appetite, even on the hottest days. Add this special delicacy to your meal and elevate your dining experience!
