Chwinamul Muchim (Seasoned Korean Wild Aster) – A Taste of Spring
May’s Seasonal Delicacy: A Perfect Guide to Chwinamul Muchim
Introducing Chwinamul Muchim, a dish brimming with the essence of spring. This simple recipe highlights the wonderfully bitter and aromatic qualities of Chwinamul, making it an ideal way to enjoy this delightful spring vegetable that stimulates the appetite. Let me guide you through creating a healthy and delicious seasoned side dish.
Main Ingredients
- 200g fresh Chwinamul (Korean wild aster)
- 1 tsp coarse salt (for blanching)
Seasoning Ingredients
- 0.5 tsp Doenjang (fermented soybean paste – adds a savory depth)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for a nutty aroma)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (for texture and visual appeal)
- 0.5 tsp minced garlic (enhances the flavor subtly)
- 0.5 tsp Doenjang (fermented soybean paste – adds a savory depth)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for a nutty aroma)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (for texture and visual appeal)
- 0.5 tsp minced garlic (enhances the flavor subtly)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the fragrant Chwinamul thoroughly. It’s important to rinse the leaves and stems under running water to remove any dirt or debris. This step helps preserve the fresh aroma of the Chwinamul.
Step 2
Boil a generous amount of water in a pot and add 1 teaspoon of coarse salt. Adding salt helps maintain the vibrant green color of the Chwinamul and can reduce any slightly bitter or ‘green’ taste.
Step 3
Once the water is boiling, add the prepared Chwinamul and blanch it for just 1 minute. Blanching for too long can make the texture mushy and diminish the aroma, so aim for just enough time to slightly wilt it.
Step 4
Immediately after blanching, rinse the Chwinamul under cold running water to cool it down. This step helps to retain its crisp texture and keeps it tasting fresh.
Step 5
Gently squeeze out as much water as possible from the blanched Chwinamul, then cut it into bite-sized pieces, or leave it as is. Squeezing out excess water is crucial for the seasoning to adhere well and make the dish flavorful. You can lightly squeeze it with your hands.
Step 6
Now, let’s prepare the delicious seasoning. In a wide bowl, combine 0.5 tsp of Doenjang, 1 tsp of sesame oil, and 1 tsp of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty flavor. Doenjang complements the Chwinamul’s slight bitterness with its own savory depth.
Step 7
Add 0.5 tsp of minced garlic to the bowl to enhance the overall flavor profile. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can reduce the amount or omit it entirely.
Step 8
Add the squeezed Chwinamul to the seasoning mixture. Gently toss and mix with your hands until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the Chwinamul. Ensure you mix gently to avoid bruising the greens.
Step 9
Finally, sprinkle a bit more toasted sesame seeds over the seasoned Chwinamul for a more appealing presentation and an extra nutty kick. Enjoy your delicious spring vegetable side dish!
