Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Pray For Japan


Dear Readers,
As you know Japan has been facing many problems due to last weeks earthquake, the following tsunami, aftershocks, and now radiation worries.
For those of you living in the Portland Metro area, there will be a vigil on Friday at the Mercy Corps Action Center (downtown). Please come and show your support and if possible donate. Japan we are rooting for you! >

More info and specifics here: Vigil For Japan PDX Website
Follow updates on twitter: Vigil For Japan PDX
Here is a clip of our organizers on KPTV

#Pray for Japan

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Spicy Fish Soup (maeuntang)

COLD, RAINY, SNOWY, WINDY =
Soup Season!
I know I said I'd do other recipes first, but I realized I forget how I cooked many of them, because I usually cook by hand (ie. no measuring). From now I will try to post within a few days of cooking ^_^;

Now I'm not a big fan of cooked fish, so I was hesitant to make this. But I saw them make it on Family Outing so many times, I just had to try it! To my surprise, it turned out pretty good. Also if you eat it with a grilled cheese sandwich it tastes amazing!
Here is the recipe, keep in mind since I do fusion cooking, some ingredients are excluded, substituted or added (ie. no water cress or chrysanthemum - can't find these greens!)

Soup Base: boil first while you cut veggies.
- half pot water
- 2-3 tbs fish sauce or sub. with katsuo (fish) flakes
- good sprinkling of dashi
- small piece of kombu (you can take this out after it boils for a bit or it will be too strong)
- 1.5 tablespoon sake
- 2-3tbs hot pepper flakes (to taste)
- 1-2 tbs hot pepper paste (gochujang)
- 1 small sliver garlic minced
- ginger is optional but I don't really like it so use at your own risk
- dash of sea salt

The rest in order of cooking: first ones take longer to cook dakara ^_~
- Daikon radish
- Carrots
- Fish (i use fish I have frozen so it takes longer, but if its fresh cook it with the green onion)
- Mushroom
- Soft tofu (the one in the tube)
- Green onion
- Other veggies you like - eggplant or broccoli are good additions
PS. - Clams or snails make great additions (but here they are hard to get so..)

Since this is soup I don't have to tell you, but boil till your daikon can be cut through with a spoon. And Voila you are done, this makes great leftover btw! Only your office may smell (pleasantly) of fish hehe.
Enjoy!