To share and promote an understanding of Korean culture through cuisine, the Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles hosted Korean cuisine seminars at the University of California at Los Angeles on February 26th , California State University, Los Angeles on March 1st, and California State University, Long Beach on March, 13th . This year's “culinary jewel” selected for presentation is called Bibimbab.

 

 

Bibimbab literally means "mixed rice". It is served as a bowl of white rice topped with a variety of vegetables and a traditional Korean red pepper paste called Gochujang. A fried egg and meat are commonly added to Bibimbab. The ingredients are stirred together thoroughly, just before serving.

 

Bibimbab is one of the most popular Korean dishes and has become a focus of healthy and diet food in the U.S. In comparison to a common meal of a hamburger and French fries, which has 1,770 calories, Bibimbab has only 550 calories. Bibimbab is known to help with digestion and also to reduce body fat.

 

 

Additionally, Bibimbab describes the Korean culture suitably. Koreans consider harmony and peace as an important virtue for living together, and therefore Bibimbab is one of the Korean dishes that elucidates harmony well. Simple to prepare, once ready, the fusion of the vibrant colors and tastes of the ingredients makes Bibimbab an appealing and delicious dish.

 

The seminar lasted about 90 minutes and consisted of a 30 minute Bibimbab presentation and another 10 minute Bibimbab demonstration. The remaining time gave attendees a hands-on opportunity to make their own Bibimbab for the first time.