KOREA HANSIK ( PART 3)

LABOR OF LOVE – IN EVERY BITE

Hansik is prepared with great care and attention .Ingredients are always finely diced or shredded, then seasoned and mixed by hand. Taste is determined by the deft feel and skiil of experienced hands. In Korea, we call this the “the work of mothers fingertips,” which is the secret ingredient behind the flavourful and easy to consume hansik dishes. Holiday and birthday regulars, such as galbijjim (braised short ribs) or jeon (pan fried dishes) are prime examples.

HARMONIOUS BALANCE- MICROCOSM IN BOWL

Korean cuisine is characterized by the balance and fusion of Five Cardinal Colors of Blue , red yellow , black and white . These 5 colors, called obangsaek, also represent different spatial and seasonal elements, as well as the Five Tastes –spicy , sweet and sour , salty and bitter. The balance and fusion of these 5 colors and flavors signifies how man needs to draw on the 5 cosmic energies in the universe. 2 dishes that best represent this philosophy are bibimbap (rice mixed with beef and vegetables) and ogokbap ( 5 grain rice)

5 Cardinal colors – Hansik emphasizes balance between the five tastes and colors that signify cosmic elements. Distinct ingredients are integrated to create a harmonious combination of flavors.

BIBIMBAP   - A KALEIDOSCOPE OF COLORS AND FLAVORS

In Bibimbap, sautéed vegetables ( namul) and beef are artfully arranged on rice and everything is mixed together  with a few drops of sesame oil. The variety of ingredients makes bibimbap a nutritionally balanced meal in itself. Bibimbap, which combines 5 colors and flavors, is one of the most well-known hansik dishes in the world. The name varies according to the characteristic of different regional versions.

OGOKBAP A MIX OF 5 GRAINS

OGOKBAP, or 5 grains rice, consists of glutinous rice, glutinous millet, sweet red beans, glutinous sorghum and black beans. As a dish symbolic of a long life, ogokbap was traditionally prepared and eaten on the day of the first full moon of the lunar year. This multigrain dish also expresses the wish for a good harvest and thus, included all the grains that the farmer would plant.