Colorful Paprika and Cabbage Water Kimchi
Refreshing Water Kimchi Made with Vibrant Paprika and Crisp Cabbage
Let’s make a nutritious and visually appealing water kimchi using colorful bell peppers and fresh cabbage! These ingredients are known for their health benefits, making this kimchi a great addition to your diet. Enjoy the delightful crunch and refreshing taste of this homemade specialty.
Main Ingredients- 1 head of cabbage (large)
- 10 bell peppers (various colors like red, yellow, orange)
- 3 green bell peppers (pimientos)
- 1 carrot
- 1 red onion
- 1 tsp sweetener (e.g., crystal dextrose/corn syrup) for extra sweetness
- 3 handfuls of coarse sea salt (for salting cabbage)
- A small amount of glutinous rice flour (for making rice paste)
- A sprinkle of sesame seeds (for garnish)
Seasoning Ingredients- 10 cloves garlic (about 1 Tbsp minced garlic)
- 3 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1 apple (peeled, cored, and blended)
- A small piece of ginger (about 1/4 the amount of garlic)
- 1 Tbsp salted fermented shrimp (saeujeot) for a refreshing broth
- 5 Korean chili peppers (gochu) or to taste
- 1 onion (medium-sized)
- 10 cloves garlic (about 1 Tbsp minced garlic)
- 3 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1 apple (peeled, cored, and blended)
- A small piece of ginger (about 1/4 the amount of garlic)
- 1 Tbsp salted fermented shrimp (saeujeot) for a refreshing broth
- 5 Korean chili peppers (gochu) or to taste
- 1 onion (medium-sized)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the main ingredients: cabbage and bell peppers. Remove any tough outer leaves from the cabbage and wash the bell peppers thoroughly under running water after removing their stems.
Step 2
To enhance freshness and remove any residual pesticides, soak the bell peppers in water with a splash of vinegar for about 5 minutes. This step can also help improve their crispness.
Step 3
While the bell peppers are soaking, prepare the cabbage. Cut the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm squares. Sprinkle 3 handfuls of coarse sea salt evenly over the cut cabbage and let it salt for 20-30 minutes. For added sweetness, incorporate 1 teaspoon of sweetener (like crystal dextrose) along with the salt. The cabbage is ready when it becomes pliable and bends easily without breaking.
Step 4
Prepare the garnish ingredients to enrich the water kimchi. Feel free to use other vegetables you have on hand, such as red bell peppers, green bell peppers, carrots, or red onions.
Step 5
We’ll make a rice paste to serve as the base for our broth. In a pot, combine water and glutinous rice flour, whisking well to remove any lumps. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until a thick paste forms. Let this rice paste cool completely.
Step 6
In a blender, combine the prepared bell peppers (drained), minced garlic (10 cloves), peeled onion (1 medium), Korean chili peppers (5), salted fermented shrimp (1 Tbsp), and the peeled and cored apple (1). Add a generous amount of the cooled rice paste as your broth base and blend until smooth. This mixture will form the delicious broth for your water kimchi.
Step 7
Finely julienne the garnish vegetables (green bell peppers, carrot, red onion, etc.) into thin strips. Aim for uniform cuts for an attractive appearance.
Step 8
Rinse the salted cabbage once or twice in cold water to remove excess salt and any bitterness. Drain thoroughly in a colander. Once drained, add the julienned garnish vegetables to the cabbage and gently toss to combine.
Step 9
Now it’s time for seasoning. Pour the blended mixture from the blender over the cabbage and garnish. Add 3 tablespoons of plum extract. Taste the mixture and add salt as needed to reach your desired flavor. Be careful not to make it too salty.
Step 10
This colorful Paprika and Cabbage Water Kimchi is prepared without straining the blended seasoning, allowing for a richer and more robust flavor. The broth will be slightly thick, making it perfect to enjoy with rice or even to pour over rice.
Step 11
Transfer the prepared water kimchi into a clean container. Cover with a lid and let it ferment at room temperature (in a cool place like a balcony) for about one day to develop its characteristic refreshing and deep flavor. After fermentation, store it in the refrigerator and enjoy it chilled.
Step 12
Your delicious Paprika and Cabbage Water Kimchi is ready! The combination of fresh vegetables and the invigorating broth creates a healthy and flavorful meal. It feels like a health tonic! Enjoy this delicious and wholesome dish. ♥
