Fragrant Celery Leaf Salad (Geotjeori)
Transforming Discarded Celery Leaves into a Delicious, Nutrient-Rich Salad
Many people only eat the stalks of celery and discard the leaves, but did you know that celery leaves are actually packed with more nutrients? Making a fresh salad (geotjeori) or seasoned side dish with celery leaves is incredibly delicious! While lightly blanching them for a seasoned dish is also great, today I’ll share a recipe for a refreshing geotjeori that allows you to significantly boost your Vitamin A intake. This dish offers a delightful crisp texture and a sweet and tangy flavor, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Main Ingredients- 230g fresh celery leaves (cleaned and trimmed)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (or plum syrup)
- 3 Tbsp vinegar (rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar recommended)
- 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce (or fish sauce/Korean soy sauce)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (or crushed sesame seeds)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your fresh celery leaves. Rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Next, soak the celery leaves in a diluted vinegar solution (about 1 Tbsp vinegar per 2 cups of water) for about 5 minutes to sanitize them. This step ensures they are safe to consume. After soaking, drain the celery leaves well using a colander. It’s crucial to remove excess water, as too much moisture can dilute the dressing and make the salad watery.
Step 2
Now, let’s make the delicious geotjeori dressing! In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp plum extract, 3 Tbsp vinegar, 2 Tbsp anchovy sauce, and 2 Tbsp gochugaru. Mix these ingredients well until they are fully incorporated. Pre-mixing the dressing allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Add the drained celery leaves to the prepared dressing. Gently toss the leaves with your hands, being careful not to crush them. Ensure the dressing coats every leaf evenly.
Step 3
Once the celery leaves are well coated with the dressing, it’s time to add the finishing touches for extra flavor. Drizzle in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil and sprinkle generously with 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma. Toss lightly once more to distribute the sesame oil and seeds throughout the salad. Your fragrant and tangy celery leaf geotjeori is now ready! It’s delicious served immediately, or for an even more refreshing taste, chill it in the refrigerator for a short while before serving.
