Aromatic Windbreak Leaf (Bangpungnamul) Seasoned with Doenjang
Windbreak Leaf Doenjang Seasoning: Beneficial for Fine Dust
Even though the weather remains cold, the windbreak leaves in the yard are surprisingly tender and vibrant green! I harvested some tender leaves and mixed them gently with doenjang (Korean soybean paste). This dish is soft, savory, and incredibly delicious. As someone who loves seasoned greens, I can eat them excessively when they’re readily available! This recipe is perfect for enjoying the fresh, healthful taste of windbreak leaves.
Main Ingredients- Windbreak leaves (Bangpungnamul), appropriate amount
- Coarse sea salt, 1 Tbsp
Seasoning Ingredients- Doenjang (Korean soybean paste), 1 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), 1 tsp
- Maesilcheong (plum extract), 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic, 1 tsp
- Toasted sesame seeds, crushed, 1 Tbsp
- Perilla oil (deulgireum), 1 Tbsp
- Doenjang (Korean soybean paste), 1 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), 1 tsp
- Maesilcheong (plum extract), 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic, 1 tsp
- Toasted sesame seeds, crushed, 1 Tbsp
- Perilla oil (deulgireum), 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt. Then, carefully add the prepared windbreak leaves and blanch them for about 40 seconds. Blanching them briefly will help maintain their crisp texture.
Step 2
After blanching, immediately transfer the windbreak leaves to a bowl of cold water to rinse. This stops the cooking process and helps preserve their fresh, vibrant color. Once rinsed, gently squeeze out excess water.
Step 3
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of doenjang, 1 teaspoon of gochugaru, 1 tablespoon of maesilcheong, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of crushed toasted sesame seeds. Mix these seasoning ingredients well to create a flavorful paste. Once the seasoning is ready, add the blanched windbreak leaves and gently mix and toss them with your hands until evenly coated. Be gentle to avoid mashing the leaves.
Step 4
Finally, add 1 tablespoon of perilla oil for a nutty aroma and flavor. Give it one last gentle toss to combine everything. The combination of the fragrant windbreak leaves, the savory doenjang, and the nutty perilla oil creates a delicious and wholesome seasoned dish.
Step 5
While windbreak leaf salad is a common spring dish, in regions with milder winters like this one, you can enjoy fresh windbreak leaves even in the colder months. If you happen to find fresh leaves, don’t hesitate to make this delightful dish!
Step 6
#HealthBenefitsOfWindbreakLeaf: Windbreak leaves are rich in potassium, and packed with minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and iron, as well as B vitamins and beta-carotene. They are known to be helpful for colds, headaches, and expectoration. They are also abundant in protein and dietary fiber, which aids in expelling fine dust and heavy metals, promotes detoxification, and is effective for muscle aches.
Step 7
Your soft, savory, and delicious windbreak leaf seasoned with doenjang is ready! The harmony between the rich doenjang seasoning and the aromatic windbreak leaves is truly wonderful. Enjoy this as a delightful side dish with your meal.
