Fresh Spring Chive Salad (Buchu Geotjeori)
Enjoy the Freshness of Spring: Making Buchu Geotjeori with First Harvest Chives
The first harvest of chives in spring is said to be as beneficial as a tonic. They are packed with goodness for our bodies. This spring, I made a delightful fresh chive salad (geotjeori) by tossing the first-harvested chives with kimchi seasoning. I added a bit of sweet and mild green onion to the tender chives, and the result was incredibly delicious. Spring vegetables that have endured the cold winter soil are truly like nourishment. So, be sure to enjoy plenty of seasonal spring vegetables!
Main Ingredients
- 3 bunches fresh chives (approx. 300g)
- 1 handful green onions (approx. 100g)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the chives and green onions harvested from the garden. For the chives, carefully remove any yellowed leaves or soil. Then, rinse them thoroughly under running water multiple times, shaking them gently to ensure all dirt is removed. This is the first step to bringing out the fresh taste of the vegetables.
Step 2
Cut the prepared chives into approximately 10cm lengths. Avoid cutting them too short; larger pieces will provide a better texture and absorb the seasoning more evenly.
Step 3
Cut the green onions slightly shorter than the chives, about 5cm in length. If you don’t have green onions, thinly sliced onion can be a good substitute, adding a nice crunch and sweetness. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables!
Step 4
The amount of green onion you have cut should be about one handful. You can adjust the ratio of chives to green onions according to your preference.
Step 5
Place the cleaned and cut chives and green onions into a large bowl. First, add 2.5 Tbsp of red pepper flakes and gently toss to coat the vegetables. This helps the chili flakes adhere evenly and gives the salad a vibrant color without the seasoning clumping.
Step 6
Now, add all the seasoning ingredients that will bring out the delicious flavor of the chive salad. Add 5 Tbsp of fish sauce, 2 Tbsp of sweet plum extract, 0.5 Tbsp of aromatic minced garlic, 1 Tbsp of nutty sesame seeds, and finally, 1 Tbsp of sesame oil.
Step 7
Gently mix the chives and green onions with the seasonings until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix or mash the chives; use a light touch to ensure they remain fresh and crisp. Your delicious spring chive salad is now ready to enjoy!
