Aromatic Blanched Chives (Ssukgat Muchim): Simple & Healthy Side Dish
Super Easy and Healthy Chives Side Dish Recipe for a Fragrant Meal
Enjoy a fragrant meal with this incredibly simple chives side dish! We’re introducing ‘Ssukgat Muchim,’ a healthy dish bursting with the fresh aroma of chives. Its delicate fragrance and refreshing taste will invigorate your palate and perfectly complement any meal. It’s so quick to make, making it a perfect option even on busy days.
Main Ingredients- 1/2 bundle fresh chives (about 100g)
- 1 red chili pepper (for color and a hint of spice)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1/3 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (or to taste)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1/3 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (or to taste)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the fresh chives. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water, checking both the stems and leaves to ensure they are clean. It’s important to wash them meticulously to remove any dirt or debris. After washing, gently shake off excess water.
Step 2
Cut the chives into bite-sized pieces. Approximately 4-5 cm lengths are ideal, as they provide a pleasant texture when eaten and make it easier to coat them evenly with seasoning. Aim for consistent sizing.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare to blanch the chives. Fill a pot with about 2/3 of water and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt once it starts boiling. Adding salt helps to maintain the chives’ vibrant green color and reduce any slight bitterness.
Step 4
Once the water is at a rolling boil, add the prepared chives and blanch them very briefly, for only about 8-10 seconds. Chives can become mushy and lose their aroma if overcooked, so the key is to blanch them just until they become slightly wilted.
Step 5
Immediately after blanching, drain the chives and rinse them under cold running water to cool them down. This ‘cold shower’ helps preserve their crisp texture and keeps them fresh. Drain them well using a colander after rinsing.
Step 6
It’s crucial to remove as much water as possible from the rinsed chives. Gently squeeze them with your hands to press out the excess moisture. If too much water remains, the seasoning might taste diluted.
Step 7
Prepare the red chili pepper for added color and flavor. Wash it well, pat it dry with a paper towel, and then remove the stem. This makes it easier to mince.
Step 8
Finely mince the red chili pepper. Mincing it ensures it blends well with the chives, rather than being in large pieces. Add the minced chili pepper to the large bowl containing the blanched chives.
Step 9
It’s time to add all the seasoning ingredients. To the bowl, add 1/3 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds, a pinch of black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. The sugar helps balance any bitterness from the chives and enhances the overall flavor.
Step 10
Gently mix the chives and seasonings together with your hands. Be careful not to mash the chives, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed. Hand-mixing allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 11
Transfer the well-seasoned chives to a serving dish. Your aromatic and delicious Ssukgat Muchim is now ready! This healthy and flavorful side dish is perfect with rice or as a light accompaniment to any meal. Enjoy!
