Aromatic Stir-Fried Chrysanthemum Leaves (Sammkukhwa Namul Muchim)
Healthy and Delicious Chrysanthemum Leaves Side Dish Recipe
Create a fragrant and subtly sweet namul muchim using the young shoots of Chrysanthemum leaves, commonly known as ‘Kidari Namul’ or ‘Kidari Yellow Flower’. This recipe transforms fresh, garden-picked greens into a delightful side dish that will awaken your appetite.
Main Ingredients- Chrysanthemum leaves (young shoots) 120g (Please use tender young shoots.)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The Chrysanthemum leaves used in this recipe were freshly harvested from a neighbor’s garden. Just as the flowers are beautiful, these greens are wonderfully fragrant and tasty.
Step 2
Rinse the harvested Chrysanthemum leaves under cold water. If the stems are too tough, trim them off to ensure you’re using only the tender parts of the greens.
Step 3
Bring a generous amount of water to a boil in a pot, adding 1 Tbsp of salt. Once boiling, add the prepared Chrysanthemum leaves and blanch for about 2 minutes. Test the tenderness by gently pressing a stem between your fingers; cook until tender but not mushy. Be careful not to over-blanch.
Step 4
Immediately after blanching, rinse the leaves thoroughly under cold water to cool them down. Gently squeeze out excess water by hand, being careful not to mash the leaves. Squeeze firmly enough to remove most of the water, but not so much that they become dry and stiff.
Step 5
Now, let’s prepare the delicious seasoning! In a bowl, combine 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 1/2 Tbsp fish sauce, 1/2 Tbsp plum extract, 1 Tbsp sesame seeds, and 1 Tbsp perilla oil. For this amount of greens, half a tablespoon of fish sauce provides a perfect savory balance, but feel free to adjust the saltiness according to your preference. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to create the seasoning paste.
Step 6
Add the squeezed Chrysanthemum leaves to the prepared seasoning. Gently mix and toss the greens with your hands, ensuring the seasoning coats them evenly. Handle the leaves delicately to avoid breaking them.
Step 7
Your fragrant Chrysanthemum Leaves Muchim is ready! Serve it attractively in a dish and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for an even more appealing presentation. Enjoy the fresh aroma and tender texture of this delightful vegetable side dish!
