Crispy & Sweet Persimmon Kimchi: A Taste of Autumn
A Unique Persimmon Kimchi Recipe with Seasonal Fruit
Discover a delightful way to transform sweet, ripe persimmons into a savory side dish that perfectly complements your meals. This recipe, inspired by a generous gift of persimmons, turns the natural sweetness of the fruit into a refreshing and slightly spicy kimchi. It’s an ideal way to enjoy the bounty of autumn, offering a unique twist on traditional kimchi. Easy to prepare with common ingredients, this dish is perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions, bringing a burst of seasonal flavor to your table.
Kimchi Ingredients
- 4 ripe persimmons (washed thoroughly)
- 2.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes (Gochugaru)
- 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce (or fish sauce)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 stalk green onion (approx. 10cm, thinly sliced)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by thoroughly washing the persimmons under running water. You can peel them if you prefer a smoother texture, or leave the skin on for extra fiber. Remove the core and cut each persimmon into four wedges. Then, slice each wedge into approximately 0.5cm thick pieces. Aim for a thickness that holds its shape and doesn’t get too mushy.
Step 2
Thinly slice the green onion, including both the white and green parts, to about 10cm in length. Slicing it thinly ensures it distributes evenly within the kimchi and absorbs the flavors well.
Step 3
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sliced persimmons and the thinly sliced green onions. Add the red pepper flakes (2.5 Tbsp), anchovy sauce (2 Tbsp) for umami, minced garlic (1 Tbsp) for aroma, and toasted sesame seeds (1 Tbsp) for a nutty finish. Ensure all your seasoning ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.
Step 4
With clean hands, gently toss and mix all the ingredients together. Be careful not to overmix or crush the persimmon pieces; a gentle massaging motion will help the seasonings coat the persimmons evenly without breaking them down.
Step 5
Your delicious Persimmon Kimchi is ready! It can be enjoyed immediately for a fresh, crisp taste, or chilled in the refrigerator for a more pronounced flavor. Stored in the fridge, this kimchi will develop deeper flavors over time and can be a delightful side dish for several meals. Enjoy this unique taste of autumn!