Kongnamul Muchim
Korean Beansprouts side dish

Beansprouts are one of the most popular ingredients in Korean cooking. Added to a variety of dishes, you will see beansprouts served in some form at most Korean meals. This side dish 'Kongnamul Muchim' is a simple and very popular dish that can be made plain or spicy and kept in the fridge to be served alongside main dishes. It’s a highly nutritious and crunchy side dish that goes well with most things.

I have used the following ingredients:

• 400g of beansprouts
• 2 Tablespoons of red pepper powder
• 1 Tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 Tablespoon of sugar
• 1 Teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 Tablespoon of minced garlic or 2 cloves of crushed garlic
• Pinch of salt
  

Preparation

To begin boil some water in a pan and add the beansprouts.

Boil these for about 8 minutes, then put them in a colander and rinse well with cold water (this should maintain the crunch). Put them into a bowl.

Add the sesame oil and salt, followed by the garlic.

The plain ones are ready and can be served with a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like.

Spicy Version

For the spicy version add some red pepper powder, as much as you see fit, but will probably need around 2 tablespoons as a guide.

Mix together and again serve with sesame seeds.

You can store this side in the fridge until required and serve small amounts with a main dish, its best served cold.