Like everything we do at Functional Self, our recipes have been designed to help you achieve your optimal state. The foods we eat impact our energy levels, mood and cognitive ability, as well as supporting a healthy gut microbiome. We wanted to create a recipe series that focuses on nutrient-dense real foods that will help you reach your highest level of health and vitality. Functional Self recipes are packed full of nourishing ingredients and will help to provide a clear path ahead for clean eating, regardless of your starting off point.  

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Get your gut in gear with this delicious and nutritious kimchi recipe! Fermented foods like kimchi are a great source of probiotics that can help support healthy digestion and boost the immune system. Plus, the high fiber content of this recipe promotes regular bowel movements and removes toxins from the digestive tract. Opt for fresh, spray-free vegetables for maximum health benefits. Let's get fermenting! 
 

 

 

Level: Moderate 
Time: 1 hour, and the cooking time is approximately 1-2 days for fermentation.
Servings: 10-12 servings of kimchi, depending on the size of the portions. 

 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 medium Napa cabbage, cut into 2-inch pieces 

  • 1 daikon radish, peeled and julienned 

  • 2 large carrots, peeled and julienned 

  • 5 green onions, chopped 

  • 1/2 cup Korean chili powder 

  • 1/4 cup fish sauce 

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce 

  • 1 tbsp honey 

  • 1 tbsp minced garlic 

  • 1 tbsp minced ginger 

  • 1 tsp sea salt 

Instructions: 

  1. 1) Rinse the Napa cabbage under cold water and then sprinkle with sea salt. Let it sit for 1 hour, then rinse again and pat dry. 

  1. 2) In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, daikon radish, carrots, and green onions. 

  1. 3) In a separate bowl, mix together the Korean chili powder, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and minced ginger until well combined. 

  1. 4) Add the chili powder mixture to the cabbage mixture and mix thoroughly, making sure that all the vegetables are coated in the seasoning. 

  1. 5) Transfer the kimchi to a large, airtight container, packing it down as you go to remove any air pockets. 

  1. 6) Leave the container out at room temperature for 1-2 days to allow the kimchi to ferment. After 1-2 days, taste it to see if it's to your liking. If it needs more time, let it ferment for another day or two. 

  1. 7) Once the kimchi is fermented to your liking, store it in the refrigerator, where it will continue to ferment slowly and develop even more flavour. Consume within the week.

 

 

What is fermentation?  

Fermentation is a natural process where microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, and fungi break down complex compounds in food into simpler ones. This process has been used for thousands of years to enhance the flavour, nutritional value, and preserve food. Fermentation produces byproducts like lactic acid, acetic acid, and alcohol, which give fermented foods their unique taste and aroma. 

 

Why is fermentation good for our digestion?  

Fermented foods are beneficial for digestion because they contain probiotics. These are beneficial bacteria that live in our gut and aid in promoting healthy digestion, boost our immune system, and improve gut health overall. 

 

Is kimchi good for detoxification?  

Kimchi has ingredients that can support our body's natural detoxification processes. It contains high fiber, which helps to eliminate waste and toxins from the digestive tract and prevent gastrointestinal problems.  

Kimchi is also rich in antioxidants that protect against free radical damage that can cause inflammation and chronic diseases.  

Additionally, kimchi contains probiotics that help improve gut health and promote the body's natural detoxification processes.