Chicory Greens Salad (Meowinamul Muchim): A Taste of Spring
Meowinamul Muchim, How to Make Chicory Greens Salad, Spring Vegetable Side Dish
My parents sent me a generous supply of spring vegetables from the countryside! Today, I’ll show you how to make a delicious Meowinamul (Chicory Greens) salad, known for its wonderfully bitter yet addictive flavor. It’s a perfect side dish to awaken your palate during spring.
Main Ingredients
- 400g Meowinamul (Chicory Greens) – choose fresh ones
- 1 Tbsp Salt (for blanching)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the Meowinamul under running water. Gently shake the leaves to remove any dirt or debris, rinsing multiple times to ensure they are perfectly clean.
Step 2
If the stems of the Meowinamul are too thick, you can peel off the outer layer with a knife. This will prevent the texture from becoming tough and ensure a more tender bite.
Step 3
Fill a pot with enough water to cover the Meowinamul, add 1 tablespoon of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Once the water is boiling, add the prepared Meowinamul. To ensure even cooking, turn the greens over as they boil for about 4 minutes. (The cooking time may vary depending on the quantity and thickness of the greens.) They are perfectly blanched when the thickest part of the stem is tender when pierced with a chopstick, yet still retains a slight crispness.
Step 4
Immediately transfer the blanched Meowinamul to a bowl of cold water to cool down and remove the heat. Once cooled, gently squeeze out the excess water with your hands. Avoid squeezing too dry; leaving some moisture will help the seasoning adhere better.
Step 5
Place the squeezed Meowinamul in a large bowl and cut them into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 cuts with a knife). Add 3 tablespoons of Gukganjang and gently mix with your hands, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the greens.
Step 6
Now, add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil for a rich, nutty flavor and mix lightly again.
Step 7
Finally, sprinkle generously with sesame seeds to finish. Taste the salad and, if needed, add a little more Gukganjang to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Step 8
Your Meowinamul Muchim, featuring the distinctive bitter and aromatic taste of spring, is now complete! Enjoy this delicious taste of spring.
