Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 ripe plums, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 cups cold water
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Serving glasses or bowls
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, rice vinegar, honey, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced plums and cold water. Let sit for 10 minutes.
3. Drain the plums and discard the water.
4. Add the cooled vinegar mixture to the plums and stir well.
5. Add sliced almonds and chopped mint leaves to the mixture and stir gently.
6. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 5 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Serve chilled
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Rice vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- Honey can be substituted with agave nectar or maple syrup.
- Sliced almonds can be substituted with chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Fresh mint leaves can be substituted with fresh basil or cilantro.
Variations:
- Add sliced strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
- Use sparkling water instead of still water for a fizzy version.
- Add a splash of rum or vodka for an adult version.
Tips and tricks:
- Use ripe plums for the best flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar or honey.
- Serve in a clear glass to showcase the beautiful colors of the dish.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover hwachae in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Hwachae is best served chilled and does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a clear glass or bowl to showcase the beautiful colors of the dish.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a slice of plum.
Garnishes:
- Fresh mint leaves
- Sliced almonds
- Plum slices
Pairings:
- Serve with Korean BBQ or grilled meats for a refreshing contrast.
- Pair with a light salad for a refreshing summer meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed rice
- Kimchi
- Pickled vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the hwachae is too sweet, add a splash of rice vinegar to balance out the sweetness.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all equipment before preparing the dish.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and discard after 2 days.
Food history:
- Hwachae is a traditional Korean fruit punch that is typically served during the summer months.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet and tangy with a refreshing mint finish.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve chilled in a clear glass or bowl for a beautiful presentation.
Related Categories
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Region: Korean
Taste: Sweet, Tangy, Fruity, Refreshing