It is hard to believe that I used to hate this leafy vegetable that is called ‘Shungiku’ (春菊) in Japanese, and it is also known as Edible Chrysanthemum. I absolutely hated it when I was a child, and never tried to eat it until I was in my forties. I love it now. This is …
A few days ago, I went to an Asian grocery store in Doncaster East. I knew the shop for a long time but I had never visited. The shop was not like the typical Asian grocery store. I should call it an Asian supermarket. There were so many fresh vegetables and the prices were amazing. …
I am a big fan of ‘Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino’ (Spaghetti Garlic Oil & Chilli), the famous Italian pasta dish. I often add extra ingredients to it such as Nattō. Today I added Shungiku (Edible Chrysanthemum) and Toasted Pine Nuts. I knew it would be delicious because I have tried a pesto made with …
One of my favourite ‘Goma-ae’ dishes is ‘Goma-ae’ Shungiku (Edible Chrysanthemum). It is delicious as it is, but I added grilled Shiitake today. I used my mini toaster oven to grill Shiitake. I oiled the tray with Sesame Oil and placed Shiitake on it, and toasted for 5-6 minutes. I wished if I could char-grill …
‘Pickled Chrysanthemum Turnips’ is called ‘Kikka Kabu’ (菊花かぶ) in Japan. It is often prepared for the New Year celebration. Small Turnips are prepared and pickled so that they look like Chrysanthemum Flowers. You can use Red Radishes, too. They are just pickled in a simple marinade, but they look pretty, don’t they? Makes 4 Servings …
Edible Chrysanthemum is easy to grow. If you have no access to this beautiful vegetable, it would be a fun and rewarding activity for you to try. Edible Chrysanthemum is growing crazy in my herb garden at the moment. I picked leaves, blanched them and combined with ‘Peanut-ae’ sauce. You may prefer ‘Goma-ae’ sauce made …
Canned Tuna & Japanese Mayonnaise Salad can be made with a various vegetables, but this is my favourite. Shungiku (Edible Chrysanthemum) has such a strong unique flavour and fragrance. It is so good with Tuna & Mayonnaise. Makes 4 Servings Ingredients 100g Shungiku (Edible Chrysanthemum) Leaves1/4 Red Onion *finely sliced1 Canned Tuna in Brine *185g1/4 …
If you can’t find Shungiku (Edible Chrysanthemum), try mix of Spinach & Rocket, or other salad vegetables that have strong flavour. I think they taste much better than lettuces. You can use your own Caesar Dressing, but why don’t you try ‘My Creamy Caesar Dressing’ which suits the flavour of Shungiku so well. Makes 4 …
It is very hard to believe now that I used to hate this vegetable. I hated Shungiku (Edible Chrysanthemum) and never tried to eat it. An Asian grocer next to the supermarket where I usually do my grocery shopping sells Shungiku and they are inexpensive. Today I bought very fresh one, so I made a …
This is a typical Japanese salad called ‘Sunomono’, that means ‘vinegared dish’. The most common Japanese salad dressing is made with Salt, Sugar and Vinegar. For Shungiku (Edible Chrysanthemum) salad, I definitely add some Soy Sauce. A little bit of Japanese Mustard or Sesame Oil would be a nice addition. ‘Sunomono’ is usually served in …
Basil Pesto is so popular and we can buy it from any supermarket stores these days. I love Basil Pesto, but some people, like my parents who are old and not familiar with Mediterranean herbs, find it too overwhelming. Pesto is easy to make at home. By replacing Basil with other herbs or herby veggies, …
‘Goma-ae’ Sauce, which is a sweet sauce of ground toasted sesame seeds, goes very well with many vegetables. My ‘Goma-ae’ recipes are so easy. If you like Edible Chrysanthemum, you got to try this one. Edible Chrysanthemum is available from most Asian grocery stores, but I recently discovered it at an Italian green grocery store! …