Budae-jjigae

Budae-jjigae (also known as Army Base Stew or Army Stew) is a type of jjigae, a dish native to South Korea. It was created shortly after the armistice that ended the Korean War, using the scrounged or smuggled surplus foods from the U.S. military bases.

History

Budae-jjigae is believed to have been created in Uijeongbu, an area that is close to a U.S. military base, following the end of the Korean War. The dish was born from a time of scarcity and hardship, which led to the creation of a communal dish that could be shared among neighbors.

Ingredients

The dish is a hot pot style dish that typically includes ingredients such as spam, sausages, baked beans, and kimchi. Other ingredients can include ramen noodles, American cheese, green onions, and chili peppers. The dish is typically spicy and is served with rice.

Preparation

To prepare Budae-jjigae, the ingredients are combined in a large pot and boiled together. The dish is typically served in a communal pot and eaten directly from the pot. The dish is often accompanied by side dishes such as kimchi, rice, and soju.

Cultural Significance

Budae-jjigae is a symbol of the post-war era in South Korea, representing the hardship and the resilience of the Korean people during that time. Today, it is a popular dish in South Korea and is often enjoyed in restaurants that specialize in jjigae dishes.

See Also

• Korean cuisine
• Jjigae
• Korean War