Fragrant Blanched Crown Daisy Salad (Ssukgat Namul)
Incredibly Simple Side Dish: Crown Daisy Salad Bursting with Fragrance!
Craving a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish to brighten your meal? This recipe transforms a humble bunch of crown daisies (ssukgat) into a delightful salad that’s both easy to make and wonderfully aromatic. Perfect for those evenings when you have a little leftover from a larger meal, like spicy fish stew (maeuntang), this dish captures the essence of fresh greens. Each bite releases a gentle, captivating fragrance that truly awakens the palate. It’s so satisfying, you might find yourself enjoying it all by yourself! This quick and easy preparation means you can have a healthy, delicious side ready in minutes. Enjoy a relaxing and tasty weekend evening with this delightful crown daisy salad!
Ingredients- 1 bunch (approx. 100g) fresh crown daisies (ssukgat)
Seasoning- 1/2 tsp chicken powder (adds umami)
- A small amount of minced garlic (adjust to taste)
- 1/3 tsp salt or light soy sauce (for seasoning)
- A little chopped green onion
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp chicken powder (adds umami)
- A small amount of minced garlic (adjust to taste)
- 1/3 tsp salt or light soy sauce (for seasoning)
- A little chopped green onion
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by thoroughly washing the crown daisies under cold running water. Remove any wilted leaves or tough stems. Cut the greens into manageable 2-3 inch lengths.
Step 2
Fill a pot with plenty of water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Boiling the water sufficiently ensures the delicate fragrance of the crown daisies is preserved when blanched.
Step 3
Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the prepared crown daisies. Blanch them very briefly, for just about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Overcooking will make them mushy and diminish their aroma. Immediately drain the blanched greens and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Gently squeeze out excess water using your hands. Properly draining is key to preventing a watery salad.
Step 4
Place the squeezed crown daisies in a mixing bowl. Add all the seasoning ingredients: chicken powder, minced garlic, salt (or light soy sauce), chopped green onion, toasted sesame seeds, and sesame oil. Gently toss and mix everything together with your hands. Be careful not to mash the delicate greens; mix just until evenly coated.
Step 5
Transfer the nicely mixed crown daisy salad to a serving dish. Garnish with a little extra sesame seeds on top for added visual appeal and flavor, if desired.