As I stood massaging the cabbage with copious amounts of salt for the Kimchi, my thoughts drifted to a place where I spent a lot of my early school days.
Right in the middle of a very busy market street, a road with the honks of scooters and auto rickshaws and the bells of the cyclists, kids playing marbles on the side of the roads was a norm. There were so many stray dogs and cows walking like they owned the roads. The homes were all quite tightly packed, and a lot of them were built in the early 19oo’s. Made of brick and wooden roofs, rough walls, and carved wooden doors with so many subtle nuances was my Maternal Grandparents’ home, famously known as “Ayya’s home.”
The huge wooden burgundy door, with six panels intricately carved, led you into a large interior. To both sides of the corridor were “portions.” Portions are single rooms, or sometimes more with a tiny kitchenette. Walking past two portions, to the left, is what I call the hub of the huge home, similar to THE HUB. It is a 20/20 foot space with a two foot dip with an open ceiling to reveal the beautiful blue sky. The corridors connected to this open place are supported by three huge green and red pillars which we kids often used to go around and dodge while playing catch.
In the middle of this huge property was my grandmom’s portion, which she lived in with her son. Her grandchildren would come after school, and would later be picked up by our parents after work. Those four hours were something not many kids now can experience, and I feel awfully blessed to have been a part of it.
My grandmom, a petite, under 5 foot woman, lost her husband before many of her daughters got married. She single-handedly managed everything so well, while being such an empathetic, hardworking and caring woman. A lady with few words, a lady with the strength of a mountain. Everyone knew her and respected her, though she kept to herself. She was a modern thinker during the days when modern thinking was a sin. Never a day to gossip, never a day to judge anyone. With so many grand kids, a whole house to manage, I can say she was as strong as one can get. She was a funny lady; she would laugh for everything. I remember her shouting at us to switch off the light or not to walk on the roof. Whenever one grandkid asked her for something and the other wanted something else, she always compromised by making a quick chutney, or fried some vada to satisfy all of us. If we were there on weekends, we were in for a oil massage and the hottest water bath that one could receive. As much as it pained then while she massaged, now it seems like a luxury that I can only dream of. Her pastime was to sit outside on what was called a THINNAI for hours ,just watching the traffic and people pass by. I wonder what she thought in silence.
Every summer, she had a huge project lined up. She would go to the market alone, and she would buy kilograms of mango and lemon for pickling. Sitting in our hub, the middle of our home, all the tenants who lived in their portions would get together to help grandmom cut the mango and lemon for pickling. They all sat around, chatted, and cut everything. She would salt it later and add the spices all in handfuls. After the process, she jarred everything up in these large brown clay pots meant for pickles. Now, all this went into a cool place to ferment and settle in.
She bottled the pickle up for her daughters very lovingly. Now that I think about it, she was a giver and expected nothing. She always did things for others. It was such a coincidence this was that I had to make Kimchi this month, the month that I remembered her and her home. It was the month that she left at 80 plus years, and in retrospect, a huge portion of those years was spent doing for her sons, daughters, grandsons and grandkids. Thinking of her now, it’s a huge void that no one can fill. A home that once she loved and was filled with laughter and affection is now shutdown, and no one lives in it anymore.
It still stands there, a meek, humble, old, beaten down home with the same burgundy door. Just now it sits next to tall three story modern buildings, in a road which is still crowded with cars, but with no kids playing by the side. A road which I don’t recognize any more. A road where our adventures of youth will just remain memories.
Now, to our Kimchi. I have been following @Christine for a while on Insta. After a lot of her followers were making her popular kimchi recipe, I got very intrigued. It all started there. I made this a few weeks ago for the first time, and since then, I’ve absolutely loved it.
After a few tries, I decided to add this to my blog because we love it so much. The original kimchi has fish sauce, and I have omitted it. You can definitely use it if you like.
Ramen is way simpler and so good made at home. Hope you get to try it out.
Luv
Asha
- 1 head of Napa cabbage
- 4 large carrots
- 2 English cucumbers or any cucumber which has no seeds or less seeds
- ⅓ cup of garlic(20 cloves)
- 3 inches of ginger
- 2 tbsp white sesame seeds
- ⅓ cup korean gochujang powder(if this is not available add more Chilli sauce. Chilli pepper paste can be used too)
- 3 tbsp sambhal
- 2 tsp chilli pepper flakes(optional)
- 3 tbsp coconut sugar( brown sugar if you can't find coconut sugar)
- ⅓ cup apple cider
- ⅓ rice vinegar
- ⅓ salt
- 2 packets Egg Noodles or Buckwheat noodles
- 5 stalks green onions
- 1 tsp ginger garlic chopped
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp sambal or chilli sauce
- ½ tsp sugar
- 1 cup packed kimchi
- 5-7 cups of vegetable stock, water (as much as you require)
- Pan fried tofu
- Boiled eggs
- fried garlic
- Mushrooms
- scallions
- sesame seeds
- Kimchi
- sliced jalapeno
- lime wedges
- Take a large bowl. Cut the napa cabbage into 2 inch size. cut the carrots, radish and English cucumber into 3 inch long pieces. Put everything into a large bowl. Add ⅓ cup of salt. Mix well and let it sit for 45-1 hour.
- While the vegetables are soaking, In a food processor, add the ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, korean gochujang powder, sambal, chilli pepper flake, coconut sugar, apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar and process to a coarse paste. Set aside.
- After an hour, rinse it very well with cold water and drain everything and put it on a kitchen towel to completely dry it out. After it is dry, add it to a large bowl and add the paste and massage it very well. Cover it tightly and let it sit on the counter top for fermentation.
- It is nice to to ferment anywhere from 1-2 days. Once it is fermented, bottle it up and refrigerate it.
- In a large wok or pan, add a tbsp of oil. Let it get hot and add the sliced green onions, ginger garlic and saute. You can add some mushroom at this stage. Add some soy sauce, sambhal and kimchi and 5 cups of water. Let it come to a boil and add the noodles. Cook for 2 minutes and you are ready to serve.
- Pour in bowls, and top with as much or little as you want your toppings to be.
2. The peppers you use is key to a good Kimchi. Korean red chili pepper which are made from Sun dried peppers are the best.
3. This recipe is a quick one and needs a couple of days of fermentation.
4. My biggest tip would be to never put in a plastic container for fermention, clay jars are the best, if not that, the next best thing is dark glass jars.
Asha, your grandmother sounds like such a wonderful lady! I didn’t quite see when she passed but I am so sorry for your loss – I can see why her void is felt. By the way, this kimchi flavored ramen sounds wonderful – and it is a feast for the eyes! Love the color of that broth and love the tofu and egg topping! Thanks so much for sharing this recipe and that beautiful memory of your grandmother.
Also – thanks for the pictures of a hub and thinnai – I was trying to imagine it as I think I’ve seen something similar in Sri lanka.
My grandom was a very special one to many Sashi. She passed away 8 years ago. I really wanted to link to older homes, otherwise it can get confusing. Thanks so much for your feedback my friend.
Have a wonderful week.
xx
Both Thattaa & Ayya were such wonderful and amazing persons, unforgettable memories of their love & affection… which are still fresh in our minds…even after several years passed-by…
Thanks Asha for bringing out this nostalgic moments…
o your grandma sounds really amazing! I am not exactly a kimchi fan, but this noodle bowl looks really inviting and delicious with tofu, egg and mushrooms. Thanks for sharing, Asha.
I loved loved your story with your grandma! Grandmas are so special, and so happy you got to spend time with her. My grandma is really special to me too, and I was fortunate to spend a lot of time with her as well. I make it a point to talk to her bi-weekly. And yes I remember the pickling days .. haha! 🙂 With my mom! those mango and lime pickles.. yum yum!
This Kimchi is totally rocking! I had made some kimchi ramen too over the weekend! I didn’t add eggs though, but it was super tasty!! Your ramen bowl looks sooooo delicious!
Thanks for sharing lovely story. now everything is only in memory. I too miss her a lot. Your kimchi looks great. Seeing your wonderful cooking wherever she is she will bless u.
Truly well written Ash! I totally believe in memories being a source of huge strength, motivation and direction. I guess now its our turn to create these warm loving pictures to store away and retrieve it time and again – for our kids!!! Good food and family time are sure short ways to create lush green memories of good days…….looks like yu are doing a great job there Ash!!
Needless to state here – outta the world pics and colour blast, Kimchi looks mind blowing….
Thank you for sharing your fond childhood memories surrounding your loving and giving grandma, Ash! You are a gifted writer and storyteller, my friend. You paint pictures with your words and your kimchi looks absolutely divine. As always, your posts inspire with your writing, food styling and photography. 🙂 Thank you for sharing your memories with us along with this fabulous and healthy recipe! xo
Thank you so much dear Ash, for sharing all those amazing memories with all of us. We’re sorry for your loss, your grandma sounds like an fantastic person with powerful personality (loved your metaphor of the mountain). Your post is one of those who resonate with many of us, wakes up similar memories of the times past. We grew up in an Athens which still had sheep, goats and chickens in the suburbs and there “institution” of geitonia, the neighborhood, was still alive downtown. People knew each other, and the kids (ourselves included) used to play in the street until late at night in the summer. Unfortunately this is gone for most of Athens. But will still have our memories, don’t we?:)
The recipe is absolutely delicious!On step 3, when you say rinse, you mean the cabbage, right?
Again, thank you for the wonderful post. Much appreciated!
Sending you lots and lots of hugs!
xoxoxo
What a beautiful story Asha. You told it so well. I could almost feel myself in the courtyard together with your memories. It took me back to my own childhood. My grandma was also left alone very early on. Mine was very frail and battered by the experience of being alone at a time in India when it was not acceptable to be alone as a woman. But she was strong at heart and those achars I remember so well. Its like a part of us that is missing being so far from home isn’t it? What stayed with me is the end of your story, how the house still remains whereas the people in it are long gone. Filled me with deep sadness…
The kimchi sounds wonderful and that ramen bowl looks so inviting and so tasty. Beautifully done my dear friend. <3
Grandmoms are such kind souls aren’t they ? And food has always connected generations. I find myself always thinking about my my patti whenever I cook. The rasams that she used to make, the lip smacking oblong gulab jams and the melt in the mouth addictive palgova that she used to make ……and my unforgettable evening walks with her ( the day before I leave )without the knowledge of my thatha , where she used to get me small gifts … A ‘Giver’ as you have rightly said… Omg!! Memories…precious memories !!! Lovely post and so well written . Your grandmom will be so proud of you..
What a great combination… a meal fit for the entire family. The pics made me crave this dish!
I loved reading your sweet memory of your grandmom, Asha. I too have lost both grandmothers over the years and I often recall those happy memories I had with them. They will always hold a special place in my heart 🙂
My family loves kimchi and ramen also. We have these Asian nights where we all sit at our little Asian table, a gift from our Korean friends, eat ramen bowls and watch Asian movies with English subtitles..it has become a little family tradition 😉 I’ve been meaning to make Christine’s kimchi for a while and already have the ingredients on hand, just waiting for a spare afternoon. Now I will have to make your ramen to go along with it. My family will be so happy!
Such heart felt story, I actually walk through those wooden carved doors and peaked in your childhood. Although It seemed very similar to mine, You were very fortunate to be able to spend good amount of time with your grandmother. Very beautiful writing and delicious meal.
Lovely to read about your grandma, who was clearly an amazing woman. I’m glad you have such special memories to return to. Kudos to you for making your own kimchi! It looks wonderful and it’s perfect in a big bowl of ramen – something we’re really craving right now! Looks sensational. Enjoy the weekend, my friend!
Asha we just had the best ramen of our life in NY . Just simple fresh hot broth, tons of crunchy fresh veggies & noodles! I love the idea to add kimchi to spice things up! Totally trying your version my friend! Have a relaxing weekend 🙂
Pinned!!
Your grandmother sounds like she was a fabulous lady! I loved reading about her, Asha! Your writing is so beautiful and eloquent! Thank you for sharing a piece of you with all of us! And thank you for sharing this kimchi ramen! I am a HUGE fan of kimchi, but I have yet to make it myself… mostly because I was void of a good recipe. Obviously now I have one, and I can’t wait to make this! I know you said on IG you had been under the weather – hope you are feeling better, sweets! Cheers to a beautiful weekend! xoxo
Pinned!
I’ve never had kimchi…can you believe it? I need to try it, and making homemade ramen bowls sounds like something I need to do too — this looks like the perfect cozy dish for a cold winter evening!
Truly well written Ash! Such nostalgic memories……. you are doing a great job there Ash!!
Kimchi looks mind blowing…
You have such a way of transporting me to another place. Thanks for the keyboard travel. GREG
Your kimchi is fabulous and I love what you made it into! I whipped up Christine’s recipe too, without fish sauce or cucumber, and it was so garlicky! I stuffed extra carrots in there too. This is so delicious, so warming.. I think I need to give ramen kimchi a go!
I loved reading this post, Asha… our grandmothers and the stories they told, lessons learned, forever remain in our hearts. The visuals you gave reminded me of my grandmother… it’s been six years since she passed. I still miss her terribly. Going back to our childhood, the places we grew up can sometimes be hard to see. They’ve all changed so much. I talked with a lady the other day.. the farm she grew up on is now a WalMart. Just concrete and stuff. It’s hard to see… Thank you for this love filled post. xo
Your Granny was the best!
As usual I love reading your stories, you have the power to take me to another place in space and time.
And I love anything that involves kimchi and noodles: YUM!
I want to eat that bowl of gorgeousness! And I want it even in summer. So loved reading about your sweet memories Ash, it brought back mine:-) Your grandmum was gold. I think grandparents are always very special and what they do is irreplaceable. Thanks for sharing your story. Much love!
I love kimchi! But for some resson have never made it. Really have to — and use it in ramen. Love that stuff. Superb recipe. Superb grandma, too. really enjoyable read — thanks.
You will love it. Once we make it home, seems like a cinch.
thanks so much for reading, means so much to me.
xx
Asha your words painted such a detailed picture of your Grandmother and the memories of time spent around food. She sounds like one special lady! So bittersweet to see how things change and are only now in our hearts! 🙁
My experience with Kimchi is a bit tainted. When I worked in a spa some years ago, some of my Korean coworkers would bring in kimchi, The problem was, we all ate in a tiny room, so the smell was a bit overpowering . I would try it to be polite but they knew I wasn’t thrilled. One day they brought in a more ‘tame’ version which I loved. Looks like you hit that here! YOur photos are gorgeous as always!! xo
Haha…Oh my goodness, poor you. Small room, a strong smell, not fun at all. The similar experience I had was with Taco bell, when I came here my hubby and his friends were big fans(it was cheap and sort of healthier), but the smell was just too much for me to handle. It took me years to get used to it.
You are right, this is a tame version, left out all stuff and this is some I love. Thanks a ton my dear.
xx
This looks and sounds fantastic! I will definitely have to try your kimchi recipe!
You will love it. I didn’t use fish sauce which was a big turn off for me. This is quite good. Hope you get to try it out. Thanks Sabrina.