kimchi sandwich

I have to write about this sandwich because it is awesome. I had bought a jar for sale from 99 Ranch a few days before but I discovered shortly thereafter, to my great dismay, why it was on sale. MOLD. Now I know that can happen to kimchi. It looked so sad in the jar, too, and was strangely lacking in pungent smell (I would have though that the smell would be stronger and more sour...). Anyway, so I drove to Galleria Market in Koreatown to pick up a jar and various other goodies. When I got home, my focus was on the kimchi. How would I devour it?

Somehow I got the idea that I could put it in a sandwich because I wanted the kimchi incorporated into some form that was portable. I did an Internet search to see if anyone else had any bright ideas. I wanted something other than a grilled cheese kimchi sandwich since I'm lactose-intolerant, more interesting than the usual bbq meat partnership, but preferably without meat at all (yeah, I know, I can be picky), and more substantial than a filling in a rice ball. I found a few interesting examples. Perhaps the most interesting was the kimchi and peanut butter sandwich. When I first read the description, I thought, "gross!" But now that I've had my delicious sandwich I can see how it's possible.

This sandwich is based on a brief description of a sandwich consisting of boiled eggs, cucumbers and kimchi. I toasted two slices of Milton's whole wheat bread and spread one side of each with a thin layer of kewpie mayo (I'm sure regular mayo would be fine too). Then I chopped up some of the kimchi to spread over the red leaf lettuce and cucumber slices on the first slice of bread. I topped it with the second slice of bread. And ate it. It was so delicious and satisfying.

I can imagine adding some slices of fried tofu for some protein in this veggie sandwich. As I sat there munching happily, it occurred to me that it was no wonder kimchi worked. After all, what is kimchi if not a kind of pickle? So I guess if there's anyone out there who likes peanut butter and pickle sandwiches and likes kimchi too, you should try the switch. You might be pleasantly surprised. As for me, I'm going to make myself another of this kimchi sandwich tomorrow for lunch.

ADDENDUM: I'll bet this would be great as a Vietnamese style spring roll, too! Will have to try that next.