So anyway was attempting to purge some books with the intent to donate (always easier said than done with regard to books) and i came across this cookbook. I am a cookbook hoarder, especially when it comes to Korean cookbooks. Based on the sticker on back i bought this one used although it shows absolutely no wear. So, i decided it was high time to check it out. The next ninety minutes disappeared in a flash as i read recipe after recipe interspersed with stories of the author’s mother and grandmother with a few Korean folk tales thrown in.
One story that stuck with me deals with a very tough time in Korea, the early 1950s. There was very little food and too many people went hungry. The markets were empty, but her mother made soup using bits and pieces of cabbage, soybean paste, bean sprouts, and, if her family was lucky they had a bit of rice. The author presents a simple recipe for this soup that has been enhanced over time with garlic, soy sauce, onion, and scallions. I will try this recipe not just because it sounds good but because my Korean born wife was scavenging for food during the same time frame and often went hungry.
There are other recipes in the book which I have not seen before like the recipe for spicy chive salad. There are many great vegetarian recipes in this book. There are also a number of excellent rice dishes. Finally, the meats. Depending on where you are in Korea the marinades for beef and pork differ slightly. I see some nice variations here that i look forward to trying.
This is an extremely well done cookbook.