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.
