Friday, October 01, 2010

Kimchi....MY way

Kimchi in progress

For those of you not familiar with Kimchi, it is very similar to fermented sauerkraut.
I combined several different recipes to do a sample batch.
I have had a bit of experience making fermented foods, so was eager to try my hand at this Korean favorite.
One of the main differences between sauerkraut and kimchi is in the soaking of the Chinese cabbage for a few hours ahead of time in a salt water brine.
So, after reading this critical step, I began this batch at 11PM last evening!

Finished Kimchi fermenting on counter along with Escabeche (fermented jalapenos and veggies), and sauerkraut.

Kimchi...MY way

2 heads Chinese cabbage, chopped coarse
1 cup kosher/sea salt, dissolved in 1 gal. water

Put the chopped cabbage in the water (I used a large pot) and press down with a heavy plate, etc., to insure the cabbage is under the water. Leave overnight or for several hours.

Next day: Remove cabbage from water and place in large bowl. I just scooped it up with my bare hands and squeezed the excess water out. No worries if the salt water clings to it. You will need the moisture as you continue.

Add:
2 cups grated carrots
2 large radishes, grated
1 head, yes...head...of chopped garlic
3-4 jalapenos, minced (I left the seeds in...gutsy, I know...)
1 yellow onion, chopped (you could also use scallions, shallots, or leeks)
3 TBL fresh grated ginger
4 TBL whey (or use 1 TBL sea salt in place of the whey)

Mix with your hands till veggies are evenly , um...mixed.

Pack into wide mouth quart jars, pressing down with your fist as you add more veggies.
By the time the jar is nearly full there should be PLENTY of liquid from pressing down...enough to cover the veggies. There should be about 1" head space at the top.

Cover jar and leave on counter, checking daily to make sure the veggies are covered with liquid. If not, use your clean hand and press down to cover.

Taste after a couple of days, and every day thereafter till the Kimchi is to your liking. This could take anywhere from 3-9 days in an averagely warm house. Like around 68-75F.

When it tastes good to you, simply make room in your already too-full fridge and store it there.

I think I would serve Kimchi with some sushi, maybe some grilled fish. Or even as a side to a burger.

Fermented veggies are good tasting, and good for you!

Since I am doing some of this for our CSA demo next week, I made sure this was vegetarian.
But...to MY quart I added about 1 TBL of fish sauce. (no preservatives or anything funky in it)

This is a really simple recipe, especially when all the chopping/grating was done with my Cuisinart! I DID chop the cabbage by hand, but it only took a couple of minutes.
I left the cabbage on the coarse side, as that is how I have eaten Kimchi before. But you could certainly chop it as you would sauerkraut.

Happy Fermenting!

xoxo,
Cindy


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16 comments:

Pioneer Beauty said...

Oh..That sounds really good..Would you use and serve just like sauerkraut..?

Kim said...

That looks great! I just found some Chinese cabbage at a local farm, but didn't buy any since I didn't really have any reason to...guess there's another farm trip in my future!

Lady Farmer said...

This spring a lady from our church taught a couple of us how to make sauerkraut. Now I am anxious to make some Kimchi. Thank you for the recipe ~ your style! ;~P

teenagehealthfreak said...

this looks great!! yay!! another bacteria for me to fill the kitchen with! lol...it looks so pretty and colorful!! i really wanta make this your way cause i wouldn't want to know the other ways!!! :)

Renata said...

My hubby used to work with a Korean guy who used to bring this in for them to eat - he's still talking about how good it is years later!
I'll have to print off the recipe & give it a go sometime!
Thanks
Renata:)

Maria said...

I love cabbage, Cindy ~
I also adored your story about Betty, the deer... How sweet!

~ Kindred kind souls ~

Enjoy the weekend, Cindy
*Have a restful Sunday*

love,
Maria

Unknown said...

I've made sourkraut but not kimchee and we're cabbage lovers too. I think I am inspired :)

Blessings!
Gail

Unknown said...

The colors are pretty. Never had kimchee....

Anonymous said...

I love Kimchi. One of my Korean friends served me my first taste and have loved it ever since.

Barbara said...

Oh that looks so good, after I recover I am going to try that one, thanks for the recipe too, hugs my friend

Barbara said...

Oh that looks so good, after I recover I am going to try that one, thanks for the recipe too, hugs my friend

Camille said...

What an ambitious girl you are Cindy! Well done!! :)

I just wanted you to know that I *love* your new header...such gorgeous photos from your life. What blessings!

Have a lovely week!
Blessings,
Camille

Tereza said...

you have no idea how YUMMY that looks! I have GOT TO learn to make those!! Oh my....

Gingerbreadshouse7 said...

I have always wanted to learn to make this dish..This year I think I'll try it..thanks for your effort. Ginny

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