Spicy and Tangy Bellflower Root Salad (Doraji Muchim)
How to Make a Refreshing Bellflower Root Salad!
The weather is quite chilly today, have you bundled up your throat? A sore throat can be incredibly painful, can’t it? I’ve made a spicy, sweet, and tangy bellflower root salad, known for its benefits for a sore throat.
Main Ingredients
- 400g Bellflower roots (prepared)
- 2 Cucumbers
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, to remove the slight bitterness of the bellflower roots and tenderize them, gently knead them with 0.5 Tbsp of salt. Let them sit for about 20 minutes to wilt.
Step 2
Afterward, rinse the bellflower roots thoroughly under cold running water to remove the salt and squeeze out any excess water. If you’re concerned about bitterness, you can repeat the rinsing and squeezing process.
Step 3
Wash the cucumbers under running water, then cut them in half lengthwise. Slice them thinly on the bias, about 0.5 cm thick, into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4
Sprinkle a pinch of salt (about 1/2 teaspoon) over the sliced cucumbers and gently toss. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to draw out their moisture. This step helps keep the cucumbers crisp and allows them to absorb the dressing better.
Step 5
Gently squeeze out any excess water from the salted cucumbers. Cut the cucumbers into manageable pieces, about 5-7 cm long, similar to the bellflower roots, for even seasoning.
Step 6
Combine the squeezed cucumbers with the prepared bellflower roots in a bowl. Ensure they are ready to be mixed together.
Step 7
Now, let’s prepare the dressing that will make the bellflower roots refreshing and zesty! In a separate bowl, combine 5 Tbsp of vinegar and 3 Tbsp of sugar. Stir well until the sugar dissolves. This step, sometimes called ‘pickling,’ enhances the overall flavor of the ingredients.
Step 8
Next, add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic, 2 Tbsp of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), and 3 Tbsp of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the dressing. The aroma of the bellflower roots will become even more pronounced as you mix these flavorful ingredients.
Step 9
Pour the prepared dressing over the bellflower roots and cucumbers in the bowl. Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed among all the ingredients. This careful mixing is key to a delicious result. Once perfectly seasoned, transfer the vibrant bellflower root salad to a serving dish. Enjoy this fragrant and appetite-stimulating dish with freshly cooked rice or as a delightful side dish!
