Mountain Ginseng and Barley Bibimbap: A Revitalizing Summer Delight
Perfect for Midsummer’s Day (Chobok): Nourishing Mountain Ginseng Barley Bibimbap
The sweltering heat of summer has arrived. How about a healthy, revitalizing dish like Mountain Ginseng Barley Bibimbap that anyone can easily make and enjoy? It’s packed with goodness to help you beat the heat!
Ingredients- 1 bowl of cooked rice (mixing equal parts rice, glutinous rice, and barley rice makes it even tastier)
- 10 roots of mountain ginseng
- Assorted seasoned vegetables (e.g., spinach, bean sprouts, bracken, aster scaber; prepare according to your preference)
- 1 egg
- A pinch of sesame seeds
- A dash of sesame oil
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste, adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing the rice. Mix equal parts of regular rice, glutinous rice, and barley rice. Rinse them and cook the rice using slightly less water than usual for a fluffy texture. This ensures the grains remain distinct and enjoyable when mixed with the other ingredients.
Step 2
Prepare the nutrient-rich mountain ginseng and egg. Gently wash the mountain ginseng, scrubbing away any soil with a soft brush or scrubber. Be careful not to rub too hard, as this can diminish its aroma. Once washed, cut the ginseng into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 cm). For the egg, you can make a thin, savory omelet by pan-frying it with a little oil, or cook it sunny-side up according to your preference.
Step 3
Prepare the assorted vegetables that will add color and flavor to your bibimbap. Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand or can find at the market. Blanch or sauté spinach, bean sprouts, bracken, and aster scaber separately. Season them lightly with soy sauce or salt to highlight their natural flavors. You can also add shredded radish or cucumber for extra freshness.
Step 4
Now, it’s time to assemble your delicious bibimbap. In a large, wide bowl, place a generous portion of the warm barley rice. Artfully arrange the prepared seasoned vegetables around the rice, considering the visual appeal and color harmony. Aim for a vibrant mix of reds, greens, and yellows to make it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Step 5
Finally, add the crowning touches to your bibimbap. Place the mountain ginseng neatly on top of the vegetables, followed by the golden omelet strips or a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg. Drizzle a little fragrant sesame oil over everything and sprinkle with sesame seeds for added aroma and nutty flavor. Mix in your desired amount of gochujang, and you’ll have a superb revitalizing meal that will make you forget all about the summer heat!
