Fragrant Seasoned Chamnamul (Korean Angelica Tree Leaves)
Healthy Korean Cuisine: Chamnamul Salad
Hello everyone! Today, we’re making a delightful and healthy Chamnamul (Korean Angelica Tree Leaves) salad. This simple yet flavorful dish highlights the fresh, slightly bitter, and aromatic notes of this popular spring vegetable. Perfect as a side dish, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Let’s get started on this nutritious and delicious Chamnamul salad!
Chamnamul Salad Ingredients (Serves 60)- 3kg Fresh Chamnamul (Korean Angelica Tree Leaves), thoroughly cleaned and trimmed
- 200g Minced Garlic
- 100g Salt (adjust to taste)
- 50g Fish Sauce (anchovy or sand lance)
- 50g Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 50ml Sesame Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the Chamnamul. Since it’s a fresh vegetable, it might have soil or debris. Rinse the leaves thoroughly under cold running water multiple times to ensure all dirt is removed. Discard any wilted leaves or tough stems, keeping only the fresh greens.
Step 2
Next, we’ll briefly blanch the Chamnamul. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 100g of salt to the boiling water. Carefully add the prepared Chamnamul and blanch for about 1 to 1.5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as it will become mushy. Immediately remove the blanched Chamnamul and plunge it into a bowl of ice-cold water. This shocking process helps to retain the vibrant green color and a pleasant crisp texture.
Step 3
Once cooled in the ice water, it’s crucial to squeeze out as much excess water as possible from the Chamnamul. Gently hold handfuls of the blanched leaves and press to remove the water. Excess moisture can dilute the seasoning. After squeezing, roll the Chamnamul leaves up like a sushi roll and cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm in length.
Step 4
Now it’s time for the seasoning! In a large bowl, combine the squeezed and cut Chamnamul with 200g of minced garlic, 50g of fish sauce, 100g of salt, 50g of toasted sesame seeds, and 50ml of sesame oil. Gently toss and mix everything together with your hands or a spatula until the seasoning is evenly distributed. Taste and adjust the salt or fish sauce if needed to suit your preference.
Step 5
Voila! Your fragrant and delicious Chamnamul salad is ready. Doesn’t it look healthy and inviting? The aromatic quality of fresh Chamnamul, combined with the nutty sesame oil and savory fish sauce, creates a truly satisfying dish. Enjoy it as a side dish with rice, or even as a fresh wrap filling. Enjoy your meal!
