Savory Fermented Mung Bean Pancakes

Ingredients

• 2 cups (390 g.) split yellow mung beans
• ¹⁄₂ cup (50 g.) glutinous rice flour
• 1 ¹⁄₃ cups (405 g.) chopped kimchee, with juices
• 1 cup thinly sliced scallions
• 2 tbsp. Cheong-gochu (Korean green chile) or shishito peppers, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp. Holland red chile, or red long hots, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp. minced fresh ginger
• ¹⁄₂ cup caramelized onions (optional)
• Kosher salt
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Shiso leaves, for serving (optional)
• Trout roe, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, add the mung beans and enough water to cover by several inches. In a small container, add the rice flour and 1 cup water. Let both soak for at least 3 hours. Then drain and rinse the mung beans.
2. In a food processor, combine the drained mung beans and the rice flour mixture and process until mostly smooth, but with a few chunks so the pancakes have some texture.
3. Transfer the batter to large bowl, then add the kimchi and juice, the scallions, chile, ginger, garlic, and onions (if using). Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least overnight or up to 4 days for more flavor.
4. When ready to cook, retrieve the batter and season with salt to taste.
5. In a 10-inch skillet, heat a thin layer of oil over medium to medium-high heat. When it is shimmering, drop scoops of batter into the pan to make pancakes of desired size (add as many as will fit without the pancakes touching). Cook until brown and crisp on the bottom, adding more oil as necessary, 3-4 minutes. Turn and cook on the remaining side, 3-4 minutes more.
6. Remove the pancakes to a plate and keep warm while you cook the remaining batter. Serve the pancakes warm, garnished with shiso leaves and trout roe, if desired.