Have you ever heard of Morkovcha? Known internationally as Korean-Style Carrot Salad, this flavorful dish intrigues not only with its spicy taste but also with its fascinating history. Despite its name, the tangy and spicy salad, often served as a side dish, has little to do with traditional Korean cuisine. Its origins trace back to the former Soviet Union, where Korean immigrants created it as a substitute for kimchi.
A Unique Blend of Flavors
The salad’s foundation is carrots enhanced by a distinctive blend of spices and aromatic roasted flavors. These aren’t artificial additives but come from a clever cooking technique. Onions are fried in oil until deeply browned, infusing the oil with a rich, savory taste. This infused oil, combined with coriander, cayenne pepper, and other spices, gives the salad its unmistakable flavor.
Recipe for Perfect Korean-Style Carrot Salad
Ingredients:
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1 kilogram (2.2 lbs) of carrots
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2–3 cloves of garlic
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1 onion
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1–2 teaspoons neutral cooking oil
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2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
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1 tablespoon sugar
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2 teaspoons salt
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon ground coriander
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½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Preparation:
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Prepare the Carrots: Peel the carrots and slice them into thin strips, preferably using a julienne slicer.
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Chop the Garlic: Peel and finely chop the garlic.
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Dice the Onion: Peel the onion and cut it into small cubes or thin rings, depending on preference.
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Infuse the Oil: Heat the oil in a pan and fry the onions until they turn golden brown. Keep the oil hot to maximize flavor extraction.
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Mix the Spices: Combine all the spices in a mixing bowl, ensuring an even blend. Add the chopped garlic.
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Combine Ingredients: Carefully pour the hot onion-infused oil into the spice mixture and stir thoroughly.
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Assemble the Salad: Pour the seasoned oil mixture over the carrots and mix well to coat them evenly.
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Add Vinegar: Stir in the white wine vinegar for added tanginess.
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Marinate: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least one hour. For deeper flavor development, refrigerate it overnight.
A Versatile Culinary Delight
Despite its simple ingredient list, Korean-Style Carrot Salad is a highlight at any Asian-inspired meal or barbecue. It works equally well as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light main course. Its irresistible taste and ease of preparation have earned it a reputation as a surprisingly addictive treat among food enthusiasts.