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Philosophy of the Mind: Embracing Life’s Fundamental Truths

The Eternal Cycle of Life and Thought The moon sets, and the sun rises . Winter fades, and spring returns . Every living being is born, and inevitably, they will pass away . These are fundamental truths of existence , yet they are often overlooked in the hustle of everyday life. Most people, myself included, live deeply immersed in their own thoughts and beliefs , forgetting the simple, unchanging nature of the world around them. How the Mind Shapes Perception As thoughts expand, they create an internal world where we unknowingly take shelter. Within this world lie deeply embedded beliefs , our personal definitions of right and wrong , which surface when we encounter challenges in life. Over time, these mental frameworks dictate our judgments and decisions , shaping the life we live today. What we perceive as reality is, in many ways, simply a reflection of our accumulated thoughts . Breaking Free from the Mind’s Illusions Now, I seek to step beyond my thoughts and reconnect with the...
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Crispy Shredded Potato Pancakes Recipe (Korean Gamja-chaejeon)

 

Have you ever heard of new potatoes?

New potatoes, also known as early potatoes, are freshly harvested potatoes available from spring to early summer. They have thin, tender skins and a crisp, juicy texture with a pleasantly mild flavor.

Why You'll Love New Potatoes:

  • Crunchy Texture: New potatoes have higher water content and lower starch levels, making them delightfully crunchy when cooked. Shredded and pan-fried into potato pancakes, they deliver a crispy outside and moist interior.

  • Nutrient-Rich Seasonal Ingredient: Packed with vitamin C, new potatoes can boost your skin health and help reduce fatigue. Consuming them fresh ensures you maximize both their nutritional benefits and taste.

Inspired by a friend's recent mention of pairing Korean potato pancakes with traditional rice wine (makgeolli), I decided to try making crispy shredded potato pancakes (gamja-chaejeon).

Ingredients:



For the Pancakes:

  • Fresh new potatoes
  • Salt
  • Cooking oil

For the Dipping Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp vinegar (I used wine vinegar)
  • 1 spicy green chili pepper, finely chopped

Garnish:

  • Fresh dill, finely chopped

Instructions:

  1. Peel the potatoes and shred them thinly.

  2. Sprinkle salt evenly over the shredded potatoes and let them sit for about 5 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture.
  3. Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium heat.
  4. Squeeze out any excess water from the shredded potatoes and spread them evenly onto the heated pan.
  5. Press gently to form a pancake and cook until golden and crisp. Flip carefully and cook the other side until golden.

  6. Garnish with finely chopped dill before serving.

Serve hot with the spicy soy dipping sauce and a chilled glass of Makgeolli(Korean rice wine).

While traditional Korean potato pancakes (gamjajeon) usually require a blender or grater, my kitchen isn't equipped with those yet. So, shredded potato pancakes made an excellent alternative! Next time, I'll attempt the classic version as well.

Mindful Moments through Cooking:

Lately, I've been struggling with wandering thoughts. Cooking helps ground me in the present—focusing entirely on the task leaves no room for distractions. It’s a form of meditation. I've learned that clearing one's mind isn't about forcibly emptying thoughts; it's about immersing yourself fully in the present moment. Whether cooking, cleaning, reading, or practicing yoga, engaging deeply in daily activities can naturally lead to mindfulness.

Instead of trying to "do meditation," try discovering mindfulness in everyday tasks. Your daily routine can become your meditation practice.

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