Aromatic Spring Vegetable: Water Parsley Salad Recipe
How to Make a Fresh and Delicious Seasoned Water Parsley Salad with Spring Vegetables
It’s the season for water parsley, a delightful spring vegetable! This is the perfect time when water parsley is most tender, fragrant, and flavorful. Picked fresh from the farm, this seasoned water parsley makes an excellent side dish. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant taste of spring with this simple and healthy recipe.
Ingredients- 300g Water Parsley (select fresh ones, especially those with red stems)
- 1 Tbsp Sea Salt (for blanching)
- A little Green Onion (thinly sliced)
- A little Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce for Soup (Guk-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (adds sweetness and depth)
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil (for a nutty and aromatic flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds (or more, to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the fresh water parsley. Look for stems that have a reddish hue, as these are typically more fragrant and flavorful. Trim any tough ends or discolored parts of the water parsley.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of sea salt to the boiling water. This helps to maintain the vibrant green color of the parsley and enhance its crispness. Carefully add the prepared water parsley to the boiling water.
Step 3
Be cautious not to overcook the water parsley, as it can become tough. As soon as the water returns to a boil after adding the parsley, blanch it very briefly, for about 15-20 seconds, just until it wilts slightly. Quickly remove it from the boiling water to preserve its tender texture.
Step 4
Immediately rinse the blanched water parsley under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This step is crucial for maintaining its crispness. Gently squeeze out as much excess water as possible using your hands. Excess moisture can dilute the flavor when dressed.
Step 5
Place the squeezed water parsley in a mixing bowl. Add the thinly sliced green onion, minced garlic, soy sauce for soup, perilla oil, plum extract, and a generous amount of sesame seeds. Gently toss and mix everything together with your hands until well combined. Avoid mixing too vigorously to prevent the parsley from becoming mushy.
Step 6
Finish by sprinkling a generous amount of sesame seeds on top for an extra nutty aroma and flavor. This seasoned water parsley is a delightful and healthy side dish, perfect for enjoying the essence of spring!
