Aromatic Chwinamul (Korean Aster) Salad Recipe
Deliciously Seasoned Chwinamul, Bursting with Spring Flavors
This recipe features precious Chwinamul, available only in spring, seasoned with minimal ingredients to maximize its natural fragrant aroma. Enjoy the refreshing, herbaceous notes with every bite! It’s also a perfect side dish for when you lack appetite.
Main Ingredients- Fresh Chwinamul (Korean Aster) 200g
- Green Onion 1/3 stalk
- Minced Garlic 1/2 tsp
- Salt 1 tsp (or to taste)
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Seeds 1/2 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Carefully trim the Chwinamul, removing any outer leaves or wilted parts. Wash it thoroughly under running water to get rid of any dirt or debris. If the stems are tough, you can gently scrape them with the back of a knife or chop them into thicker pieces.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water. Once boiling, add the prepared Chwinamul and blanch for about 3 minutes until tender. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become mushy.
Step 3
Remove the blanched Chwinamul from the hot water and immediately rinse it under cold running water to cool it down. This helps to keep the greens crisp and their color vibrant. After rinsing, gently squeeze out excess water with your hands.
Step 4
Once the water is squeezed out, cut the Chwinamul into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm in length. Finely mince the green onion. Minced green onion adds a wonderful fragrant note to the dish.
Step 5
In a bowl, combine the cut Chwinamul and minced green onion. Add all the seasoning ingredients: 1/2 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp salt (adjust according to your preference), 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and 1/2 Tbsp sesame seeds for a nutty flavor.
Step 6
Gently toss everything together with your hands until the seasoning is evenly distributed. Avoid vigorous mixing, as it can make the greens mushy. Your fragrant Chwinamul salad is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve and savor the fresh taste of spring.
