Crispy and Nutritious Chive and Bean Sprout Salad (Sukju Namul Muchim)
A Deliciously Healthy Side Dish: Combining Chives and Bean Sprouts for Enhanced Immunity
Chives are a quintessential aromatic herb in Korean cuisine, renowned for their ability to invigorate the body and boost immunity. Particularly in spring, chives boast nutritional value even greater than ginseng! This recipe harmonizes the vibrant spring chives, grown in our own garden through the winter, with the crisp texture of bean sprouts. By adding flaxseed powder, rich in healthy unsaturated fatty acids, as a seasoning, we create a side dish that is outstanding in both flavor and nutrition. It’s a simple yet incredibly beneficial addition to any meal.
Main Ingredients- 1/2 bunch fresh spring chives
- 150g fresh bean sprouts
- 1 Tbsp flaxseed powder
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Seasoning Ingredients- Pinch of sugar
- Toasted sesame seeds (sesame salt)
- 1 tsp Korean soup soy sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Pinch of sugar
- Toasted sesame seeds (sesame salt)
- 1 tsp Korean soup soy sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the chives thoroughly under running water. Trim off any tough ends and cut them into 3-4 cm lengths. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Briefly blanch the chives for just 10 seconds – be careful not to overcook, as this will make them limp. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, gently squeeze out as much water as possible.
Step 2
In the same boiling water (or fresh boiling water), add a pinch of salt. Add the bean sprouts and blanch for about 30 seconds. They should remain crisp. Drain the bean sprouts and rinse them under cold water to cool them down. Squeeze out any excess water.
Step 3
In a mixing bowl, combine the blanched chives and bean sprouts. Add the Korean soup soy sauce, sesame oil, a pinch of sugar, and the toasted sesame seeds. Gently toss everything together to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning with a little salt if needed.
Step 4
Finally, sprinkle in the flaxseed powder (or almond powder, if preferred) and gently mix it through. This adds a wonderful nutty flavor and extra nutrients. Serve the vibrant and healthy namul muchim immediately on a plate.
