Aromatic Winter Cress Pancake (Naengyi Jeon): A Taste of Spring
#SpringVegetableDish #WinterCressRecipe #NaengyiJeon #MakgeolliPairing #FragrantPancake
Savor the essence of spring with this fragrant Winter Cress Pancake (Naengyi Jeon)! We’ve transformed fresh, aromatic winter cress into a delightful pancake, boasting a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. This recipe makes it incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for a quick snack or a light accompaniment to your meal. Enjoy this delightful dish with a glass of makgeolli for an authentic Korean experience!
Ingredients- 250g thoroughly washed winter cress (naengyi)
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the star ingredient: fresh winter cress. Ensure it’s thoroughly washed to remove any soil. If you’ve purchased pre-washed cress, you’re ready to go! If cleaning yourself, gently rinse the cress, paying attention to the roots where dirt can hide. While the roots contain nutrients, trim any excessively tough or woody parts.
Step 2
In a resealable plastic bag or a large bowl, place the washed winter cress. Sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the cress. Gently shake the bag or toss the cress in the bowl to evenly coat each piece with a thin layer of flour. This light coating ensures a crispy texture.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, whisk the 4 eggs until well combined. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the eggs and mix thoroughly. This seasoning is crucial for the overall flavor of the pancake. Now, dip the flour-coated winter cress into the beaten egg mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated in the egg batter.
Step 4
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Carefully arrange the egg-coated winter cress in the hot pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook over medium heat throughout the process, allowing the pancakes to cook evenly.
Step 5
Once the underside of the pancake is golden brown and crispy, carefully flip it over using a spatula. Cook the other side until it is also golden brown and cooked through. Gently press down on the pancakes with the spatula to ensure even cooking and a crispier finish. Winter cress cooks quickly, so once both sides are beautifully golden, your pancakes are ready.
Step 6
Your aromatic Winter Cress Pancakes are ready to be enjoyed! These are best served warm, dipped in soy sauce or a simple dipping sauce. For an easy dipping sauce: combine soy sauce, vinegar, cooking wine (like mirin or rice wine), plum extract (maesilcheong), and chopped green onions. For a spicy kick, add chopped chili peppers or a pinch of chili flakes. For an enhanced aroma, consider adding chopped chives or wild chives (buchu or dallae).
