Spring Aroma Delights: Seasoned Chamnamul with Perilla Seeds
Refreshing Spring Greens: Chamnamul Orange Salad and Chamnamul Perilla Seed Seasoning
Chamnamul, literally meaning ‘true savory vegetable,’ earns its name from its exquisite flavor and aroma, making it a prized spring delicacy. This recipe presents two delightful ways to enjoy this vibrant green: a refreshing Chamnamul Orange Salad and a savory Chamnamul seasoned with nutrient-rich perilla seeds. The latter, with its nutty depth from perilla and the subtle peppery notes of chamnamul, is a perfect accompaniment to rice and a wonderful way to invigorate your appetite, especially during the spring season.
Chamnamul Orange Salad Ingredients- 1/3 bundle Chamnamul
- 1/2 Orange
- Up to 10 Cherry Tomatoes
- 5 Tbsp Orange Juice
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 Tbsp Lemon Oil
- 3 Tbsp Syrup
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar
- Pinch of Salt
Chamnamul Perilla Seed Seasoning Ingredients- 2/3 bundle Chamnamul
- 1/2 Tbsp Soy Sauce for Soup (Guk-ganjang)
- Salt (to taste)
- Perilla Seed Juice (or finely ground perilla seeds)
- Sesame Oil (or Perilla Oil)
- 2/3 bundle Chamnamul
- 1/2 Tbsp Soy Sauce for Soup (Guk-ganjang)
- Salt (to taste)
- Perilla Seed Juice (or finely ground perilla seeds)
- Sesame Oil (or Perilla Oil)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
◎ Prepare the Fresh Ingredients:
1. For the Chamnamul, trim off any long stems and wilted leaves. Wash it thoroughly under running water, then drain well. Cut into bite-sized pieces (about 5-7 cm long).
2. Peel the orange and separate the segments. Cut the segments into bite-sized pieces, removing any seeds.
3. Wash the cherry tomatoes.
4. (Tip) For a more substantial dish, you can add pan-fried chicken breast, crispy bacon, or well-seared steak to the salad.
Step 2
◎ Make the Zesty Orange Dressing:
1. In a bowl, combine 5 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. (A good ratio is 5:1 orange to lemon juice).
2. Season lightly with a pinch of salt. Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar and 3 tablespoons of syrup, adjusting to your preferred balance of sweet and sour flavors. (You can substitute syrup with honey or corn syrup).
3. Finally, add 2 tablespoons of lemon oil and whisk everything together until well combined and emulsified. Chill the dressing in the refrigerator before serving for the best flavor.
Step 3
◎ Assemble the Chamnamul Orange Salad:
1. Arrange the prepared Chamnamul, orange segments, and cherry tomatoes attractively on a serving plate or in a salad bowl.
2. Just before serving, drizzle the chilled orange dressing over the salad. This ensures the chamnamul retains its fresh aroma and crisp texture.
Step 4
◎ Create the Nutty Chamnamul Perilla Seed Seasoning:
1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the prepared Chamnamul and a pinch of salt, and blanch for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook, as it will become mushy.
2. Immediately rinse the blanched chamnamul under cold water to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out any excess water thoroughly.
3. Place the squeezed chamnamul in a mixing bowl. Add 1-2 tablespoons of perilla seed juice (or finely ground perilla seeds) and 1/2 tablespoon of soy sauce for soup (Guk-ganjang). Gently mix and toss by hand until evenly coated.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil (or perilla oil) for added aroma and richness. This completes the delicious Chamnamul Perilla Seed Seasoning.
5. (Pro Tip) For an even more complex and satisfying flavor, try mixing sesame oil and perilla oil in a 1:1 ratio.
