Vegan Kimchi

Step 1

Quarter each head of cabbage; remove and discard the cores. Chop cabbage into 1-inch pieces. Transfer in batches to a large salad spinner. Fill with water, agitate with your hands, drain and spin. Repeat with remaining cabbage.

Step 2

Peel and trim carrots. Cut into 1-inch lengths, then julienne cut.

Step 3

Divide cabbage and carrots evenly between 3 large anti-reactive bowls. Sprinkle 1/3 of the salt over each bowl, then massage with your hands until cabbage is well coated and starting to soften. Fill bowls with cold water to cover. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit on the counter for 2 to 3 hours.

Step 4

Drain cabbage and carrots in a strainer. Reserve 1 to 2 cups brine in a sealed container.

Step 5

Meanwhile, trim scallions. Cut dark green parts into 1-inch lengths and set aside. Cut off white parts (the bottom 3 to 4 inches), cut into 1/2-inch pieces, and place in a food processor. Set light green parts aside for another use.

Step 6

Add chili paste, miso, garlic, and ginger to the food processor. Process until fully blended; it will be thick.

Step 7

Transfer cabbage and carrots back to the bowls and add dark green scallions. Spoon 1/3 of the chili paste mixture into each bowl. Use food-safe gloves and massage it all over until vegetables are completely covered.

Step 8

Pack kimchi into six sterilized pint-sized jars. Cover with a 2-piece lid and screw partway to keep lid in place but not to seal.

Step 9

Transfer jars to a rimmed baking dish and let sit at room temperature until bubbly and fragrant, about 72 hours. Every 24 hours, open the jars and slide a clean chopstick or knife down all 4 sides of each jar to release air bubbles. Press veggies down with a spoon so they are submerged in liquid, adding a spoon or two of reserved brine if necessary, but veggies do release a fair amount of liquid. Because the lids are not sealed fully, there may be some overflow. That's okay, just wipe the jars and continue on with the process. It just means the fermentation is very active.

Step 10

After the 72 hours, clean outsides of jars and inner rims as necessary. Seal lids tightly and store in the refrigerator.