Bulgarian Kimchi Jjigae

Ingredients

In this Bulgarian adaptation of Kimchi Jjigae, we incorporate traditional Bulgarian ingredients such as potatoes, carrots, and onions to give the stew a heartier and more comforting feel. The spiciness of the kimchi is balanced by the sweetness of the vegetables, creating a unique flavor profile that combines the best of both Korean and Bulgarian cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Kimchi jjigae, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) kimchi, chopped 2 cups (470ml) kimchi, chopped
• 1 onion, sliced 1 onion, sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 carrots, sliced 2 carrots, sliced
• 200g pork belly, sliced 200g pork belly, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 4 cups (940ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (940ml) vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish Fresh parsley for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 6g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the pork belly and cook until browned.
3. 3.
   Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
4. 4.
   Stir in the gochujang and soy sauce, and cook for another minute.
5. 5.
   Add the kimchi, potatoes, and carrots to the pot, and stir to combine.
6. 6.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
7. 7.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
8. 8.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   Serve the Bulgarian Kimchi Jjigae hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Kimchi — If you prefer a milder flavor, you can rinse the kimchi before using it in the stew.
• Gochujang — Adjust the amount of gochujang according to your spice preference. Add more for a spicier stew or reduce the amount for a milder version.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the pork belly with tofu or mushrooms.
• Serve the Bulgarian Kimchi Jjigae with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Adjust the spiciness of the stew by adding more or less gochujang according to your taste preference.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick and delicious meal.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers to the stew for added flavor and texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Bulgarian Kimchi Jjigae hot in individual bowls, garnished with fresh parsley. Accompany it with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the Bulgarian Kimchi Jjigae, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top of the stew before serving. The contrasting colors of the sesame seeds will add visual appeal to the dish.