Dinner: Korean-style Cucumber Pickles (oijangajji:오이장아찌)

Delicious pickles, and how to make 2 authentic sidedishes from them! Full recipe: http://www.maangchi.com/recipe/oijangajji How to make Korean style salty cucumber pickles (oijangajji): Ingredients:
Kirby cucumbers (5 pound: 2.5 kilograms), water, kosher salt, vinegar, apples 1. Wash and drain 5 pounds of cucumbers. 2. In a large pot put 9 cups water, 1 cup salt, and 1 cup vinegar. 3. Remove the cores from two small apples. Slice the apples thinly and put them into the pot.
 4. Stir the pot of brine and apple slices with a wooden spoon until the salt on the bottom of the pot has dissolved. 5. Bring to a boil over high heat for about 40 minutes. 6. Strain the cooked apples. 7. Put the cucumbers into the hot brine. Turn them over with a wooden spoon 8. Let the pot sit until the brine cools down. 9. Move the cucumbers into a glass jar and pour the brine over the cucumbers. 10. Close the lid and let it sit for 12-24 hours at room temperature 11. Drain the cucumbers by pouring out the brine into a pot. 12. Boil the brine again for 10 minutes to sterilize it.
*tip: leave the cucumber in the jar 13. Turn off the heat and let the brine cool down. 14.Pour the brine into the cucumbers and refrigerate it.
*tip: Wait at least 1 week to start eating
 Yes, one week! : ) Ok, let's make two kinds of authentic side dishes with oijangajji! Oijangajji muchim (Korean style cucumber pickle side dish) Ingredients:
2 pickled cucumbers (about ¾ to 1 cup), hot pepper flakes, garlic, green onion, green chili pepper, honey, sesame oil, roasted sesame seeds Directions: 1. Slice 2 cucumber pickles thinly and put them into a mixing bowl. 2. Add 1-2 ts of hot pepper flakes, 1 clove of minced garlic, 1 tbs chopped green onion, 2 ts chopped green chile pepper, ½ ts honey, and ½ ts sesame oil. Mix well with your hand. 3. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle ½ tbs roasted sesame seeds. Serve with rice! Oijangajji naengguk (cold cucumber pickle soup) Ingredients:
2 cucumber pickles, garlic, vinegar, hot pepper flakes, salt, green onion, green chile pepper, red chile pepper or red bell pepper, honey, and ice cubes Directions: 1. Slice 2 pickled oijangajji thinly and put it into a glass bowl. 2. Add 1 clove of minced garlic, 2 ts vinegar, 1 ts hot pepper flakes, 1 ts salt, 1 tbs chopped green chile pepper, 1 tbs chopped green onion, 1 tbs chopped red bell pepper or red chile pepper, 1 ts honey, and combine it with a spoon. 3. Add 1 cup purified water, 7-8 ice cubes , and mix it.
 Serve with rice.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Sesame Seeds, Honey, Apples

Health benefits of Korean-style Cucumber Pickles (oijangajji:오이장아찌)

Sesame seeds help with progesterone balance. Lignans found in in sesame seeds help to prevent excess estrogen production.

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Apples will improve your body's sensitivity to insulin (Reference: http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/27/1/281.full)

Ingredients

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Instructions

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