Dinner: Perilla leaf kimchi and perilla leaf pickles (깻잎)

How to make these 2 delicious sidedishes. Check the recipe here at http://www.maangchi.com/recipe/kkaennip-kimchi-and-jangajji Kkaennip kimchi Ingredients: 
Perilla leaves (135 grams: about 3 cups), 3 tbs fish sauce, ¼ cup of onion, 4 cloves of garlic, 2 stalks of green onion, 1 ts honey , 1-2 tbs hot pepper flakes, roasted sesame seeds, carrot (2 tbs) Directions: 1.Wash and drain 135 grams (about 3 cups) of perilla leaves and put them into a basket.
*tip: wash both sides of each leaf in running cold water and shake to drain water 2. Next, let's make kimchi paste!
Put these ingredients in a bowl and mix them together with spoon:
4 cloves minced garlic, 2 chopped green onions, ¼ cup amount of sliced onion, 2 tbs of carrot cut into matchsticks, 3 tbs fish sauce, 1 -2 tbs hot pepper flakes, 1 ts honey. 3. Spread some paste between the leaves.
*tip: You don't need to put paste on every leave but every 2 leaves Now you made kkaennip kimchi! Gratz! : )
Put the kimchi in a container and keep it in the refrigerator. Serve with rice and sprinkle some roasted sesame seeds before serving. Kkaennip jangajji (Korean style perilla leaves pickles) Ingredients:
1 pound of Perilla leaves (about 450 grams), soy sauce (1½ cup), a medium size apple, 1 medium size onion, 4-5 cloves of garlic, 1 cup water, 2 jalapeno pepper, 1 tbs of sliced ginger. Directions: 1. Wash and drain 1 pound of perilla leaves and put them into a basket.
*tip: Wash the both sides of each leaf in runny cold water and shake it to drain water 2. Prepare 1½ cup soy sauce to salt the leaves. 3. Pick some perilla leaves (about a dozen leaves) and put them into a large bowl. Drizzle soy sauce directly between the leaves, little by little. 4. Repeat until you used all the leaves.
(You will see some soy sauce on the bottom of the bowl) 5. Turn the leaves over a couple of times to salt evenly and wait about 1 hour. 6. 1 hour later, squeeze the leaves slightly and put them into a container. 7. Transfer the liquid of soy sauce brine to a pot. 8. Add 1 cup of water, 1 medium size sliced onion, 4-5 cloves garlic, 1 medium sized sliced apple, 1 tbs of sliced ginger to the brine. 9. Bring to a boil for 30 minutes over medium high heat. 10. Strain the brine and cool it down until it reaches room temperature. 11. Pour the brine onto the leaves in the container and keep it in the refrigerator. Serve with rice!
When you serve it, transfer some leaves to a serving plate and garnish with roasted sesame leaves and shredded red pepper (called shilgochu or silgochu: 실고추).

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Sesame Seeds, Honey, Kimchi

Health benefits of Perilla leaf kimchi and perilla leaf pickles (깻잎)

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.

Besides beneficial bacteria, kimchi is also a great source of beta-carotene, calcium, iron and vitamins A, C, B1 and B2. Kimchi and is full of probiotics which balance our pH level and ward off yeast infections and UTIs.

Ingredients

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Instructions

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