Spring Aroma Delight: Savory Aster Scaber Salad with Doenjang Dressing
The King of Spring Greens, Aster Scaber (Chwinamul) Doenjang (Soybean Paste) Salad
Celebrate the arrival of spring with this flavorful and healthy Aster Scaber (Chwinamul) salad, dressed with savory doenjang. Rich in potassium, chwinamul aids in flushing out excess salt from the body, making it the perfect springtime vegetable to revitalize your appetite. This simple yet nutritious salad is a wonderful way to complete your healthy spring table!
Main Ingredients- Aster Scaber (Chwinamul) 500g
Seasoning Ingredients- Homemade Doenjang 1 Tbsp
- Store-bought Doenjang 1/2 Tbsp
- Sesame Seeds 1/2 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil 1/3 Tbsp
- Homemade Doenjang 1 Tbsp
- Store-bought Doenjang 1/2 Tbsp
- Sesame Seeds 1/2 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil 1/3 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The Aster Scaber (Chwinamul) used today is greenhouse-grown, ensuring it’s very fresh and clean, ready to be used without further preparation. If you’ve harvested chwinamul yourself from the field, make sure to thoroughly clean off any dirt or debris and trim away any wilted leaves.
Step 2
Shall we enjoy the delightful Aster Scaber, full of spring’s essence? We’ll be making a fragrant chwinamul salad with doenjang. Bring a generous pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the chwinamul; you can add quite a lot as it will shrink down. Blanch it briefly until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes. Overcooking can make it mushy, so be mindful of the time.
Step 3
Immediately after blanching, rinse the chwinamul under cold running water to cool it down. This step helps maintain its vibrant green color and crisp texture. Squeeze out any excess water thoroughly, then cut it into bite-sized pieces. Typically, cutting it into 3-4 cm lengths is ideal.
Step 4
Transfer the prepared chwinamul to a bowl. Add all the seasoning ingredients and gently mix with your hands (or a spoon) until well combined. Using a mix of homemade doenjang for depth and store-bought doenjang for umami can create a richer flavor profile. Add the nutty sesame seeds and fragrant sesame oil, then toss everything together to marry the flavors of the chwinamul with the dressing. Enjoy your delicious salad!
