In Spam and war

The diverse foods of Hawaii linger in our memory. The Japanese introduced shave ice (which we got to devour on three different occasions. The Korean contributed their BBQ. And the Americans... well, the Americans made SPAM! Ah, the mystery meat often teased by many has such rich history, mostly related to war. This is probably why Spam is such a staple in Hawaii. One of my favorite Korean meals is called budae-jjigae which literally means army stew. The spicy stew is made from Spam, sausage, American canned beans, instant ramen noodles and kimchi in an anchovy or beef stock seasoned with gochujang (red chili paste) - basically, whatever non-perishable food items that were easily accessible at the time. Americans were stationed in Korea during the Korean War and their supplies were often raided or given away to locals.

This is how I like to make my budae-jjigae:
8 cups of stock (anchovy or beef)
1/2 cup kimchi
2 green onions chopped
2 large tbsp of canned baked beans
1/2 can of Spam
1 sausage
1 slice of Kraft cheese
1/2 cup of sliced rice cake
2 tbsp of red pepper powder (gochugaru)
1 tbsp of soy sauce
1 tbsp of minced garlic
1 package of instant noodle (just the noodle, not the soup base)

In a pot, boil the 8 cups of stock. The traditional stock I make is water boiled with dried anchovies and kelp (dashima), then passed through a sieve. But you can also use beef stock (make sure it isn't too salty since the other ingredients are).

Combine the red pepper powder, soy sauce and minced garlic to make a paste.

In another large pot, preferably a shallow one, arrange the kimchi, green onions, beans, Spam, sausage, rice cake, and cheese. Also add some of the red pepper paste depending on how spicy you want it. Add 4 cups of the stock and let boil. Then, add the noodles and boil until the noodles are done.



The best way to make this stew is to cook it on a portable stove in the middle of the dining table where everyone serves themselves. When you start running low on the broth, just add more and maybe some more paste if needed.

There are so many variations. Dave loves to add tofu. I like to add mushrooms, specifically enoki mushrooms. I've seen bacon or seafood used. Basically, whatever you have on hand.



Maybe not the healthiest meal but it's such spicy goodness!