Wednesday 20 November 2013

S(e)oul Food from November's Kitchen Nomad

It's food time again! Last month we went to Mexico for some lovely spicy dishes, courtesy of the amazing products from Kitchen Nomad and this month we're going in the opposite direction to the Land of the Morning Calm - Korea. Korean cuisine is very natural and healthy and largely based on rice, vegetables and meat but of course the main ingredients vary between different regions. Traditionally a basic meal is a bowl of rice and a bowl of soup per person, and then there are lots of different side dishes that are shared between everyone. You may have heard the old saying that "you first eat with your eyes", i.e. that the whole eating experience is influenced not only by the taste but also by how good the food looks, and an interesting fact is that in Korean cuisine the balance of colors is considered very important. It's not just to make it look pretty though, it's also linked to the theory of the Yin and Yang and the five elements that represent different materials, emotions, body organs and flavors and the ideal state is a balance between them all. So let's see what was in the box to prepare a well balanced delicious meal.
Ingredients
Sesame oil - lovely golden nutty tasting oil used for cooking or as a dressing
Soy sauce
Ginseng drink
 
Ingredients
Korean chilli powder - smokey, fruity sweet hot chilli
Kimchi - traditional Korean side dish of fermented cabbage and other vegetables with garlic, ginger and other spice
Dried shiitake mushrooms
Sesame seed
Sweet potato noodles - traditional Korean noodles for Japchae (stir fried noodles) 


What are we going to make with all of these fabulous ingredients?
Starter:
Sauteed eggplant -  eggplant with chilli, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil and sesame seeds

Mains:
Sweet potato noodles - noodles with garlic, shiitake mushrooms, soy sauce, sesame oil, onion, beef
Seasoned Tofu - stir fried tofu with sesame oil and sesame seeds, garlic, onions, chilli and soy sauce 
Skewered beef - grilled beef marinated in garlic, sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil

Since I don't eat meat I'll swap the meat for either mushrooms or prawns and all we need now is a big bowl of rice, some kimchi and the ginseng drink and we're sorted for a traditional Korean meal.
I'm so excited about this month's ingredients since the only Korean food I have tried previously is Kimchi, and I'll do my very best to cook up an interesting, balanced feast of flavors, scents and the all important colors. What do you think about this month's ingredients and recipes? 

28 comments:

  1. What a great idea! The food is going to look amazing.

    Hannah x
    Girl+World

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    Replies
    1. Thanks a million Hannah, it's a great idea for a X-mas present for someone too :o). Xx

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  2. I love these posts. The mexican menu last time was amazing! But this sounds yummy too!

    Rachael x
    All The Little Things x | Rachael McClenaghan

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    1. I'm really looking forward to trying the sweet potato noodles - I've never tried anything like it and I DO LOVE noodles :o). Thank you so much for the lovely comment! Xx

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  3. Replies
    1. It'll be so much fun to try some new dishes :o). Xx

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  4. I love Korean food - many of the ingredients pictured above have a regular place in my kitchen. :) Curious to see what you'll think of japchae - that type of noodle is a lot "bouncier" in texture when cooked than most others, if that makes sense.

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    1. Ooh, that sounds interesting. I love to try different noodles - I'm not much of a fan of the thicker ones like udon though :o). Xx

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  5. You could create wonders with those ingredients. Keep in touch.
    http://tifi11.blogspot.com

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  6. ooh such a lovely selection! I have yet to make my own Korean cuisine but I LOVE so much food from there, and East Asia in general xx

    http://www.britishmermaid.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. I love Asian food too - it's so healthy and straight forward but really flavorsome - love it! Xx

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  7. Either the ingredients and recipes inspire me a lot. You know, I have a huge passion for Asian kitchen in general and the Korean looks very tasty and healthy in the same way. Kisses Charlotte! xo

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    1. In that case I think you'd love these - and I can't wait to try it :o). Xx

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  8. This looks amazing, I'm so inspired to go off and create something amazing now :-) Thankyou for sharing! xxx

    www.stylapetite.blogspot.co.uk

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  9. This sounds delicious! Thanks so much for sharing!
    xx Easy Outfits, by Pip

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  10. The sauteed eggplant looks like it will taste amazing! Can't wait to see hear if you like any of the recipes :)
    xoxo
    -B ♡ MsBerryStylish 

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    1. It'll be so much fun to try and I think prawns or mushrooms will work well as meat substitute :o). Xx

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  11. I love Korean food & frequently use sesame oil in my cooking. Good luck & looking forward to your food posts!

    atelier zozo

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  12. Yummm!
    Would you like to follow eachother via gfc?

    Xo
    Arleene
    Arleenesfashioncloset.blogspot.com

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  13. This looks amazing! I definitely wished they shipped to the US.

    Katespitz.blogspot.com

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    1. Yes it's a shame, it's UK only for now, although I'm sure there will be similar ideas in the US very soon :o). Xx

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  14. great post :D
    <3 victorique
    prettylildolls.blogspot.com

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  15. Thanks a million, follow you now! Xx

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  16. I'm in awe when I go to supermarkets with asian food, it's so nice mixing up your food cupboard a bit :) I'm sure you'll create something delicious with this!
    Marijke xx
    viva-coco.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Thank you so much, I'm looking forward to a really nice, spicy stir fry :o). Xx

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