Crepes, okonomiyaki, blini, dosa … much as I love a classic pancake doused in sharp lemon juice and crunchy sugar, they’re certainly not the only option for those celebrating Shrove Tuesday. Every culinary culture has its own take, but the Koreans are particularly rich in recipes, the most famous of which is probably kimchijeon, or buchimgae, which are flavoured with spicy fermented vegetables – YouTube sensation Maangchi describes it as “one of Koreans’ all time favourite dishes … On a rainy day on the weekend, when a Korean family wants something special and cozy to eat, this is something anyone can make using the ingredients we have at home. Then mom will ask: ‘You want me to make kimchijeon?’ and everybody will say: ‘Yayyy!!’” Which is, of course, the appropriate response when someone offers you a hot, crunchy, salty, spicy snack with a side helping of probiotic smugness. If you also lack a Korean mom, don’t worry – I’m here to help.
