Kimchi

Directions

1. 1
   Combine 1 1/2 cups salt to 2 gallons of water to make a brine.
2. 2
   Cut each napa cabbage in half, core, and quarter-or slice into 1-inch ribbons.
3. 3
   Slice the daikon, carrot, and watermelon radish into sticks on a mandolin (using the medium blade).
4. 4
   Place all vegetables in a large bowl, cover completely with brine, and weight down the vegetables with a plate to keep everything submerged. Cover with a clean dish towel and let the vegetables sit overnight in the brine at room temperature.
5. 5
   Meanwhile, make the chili paste by pureeing all ingredients to a rough paste in a food processor.
6. 6
   After your vegetables have brined overnight, drain the vegetables and rinse them thoroughly.
7. 7
   Mix the brined vegetables with the chili paste and the scallions. Crumble the bonito flakes by hand and mix them in as well. Pack the mixture into a sterilized gallon-sized clear container. Set a weight (like a stone or a heavy bowl) on top of the vegetables, pressing down slightly.
8. 8
   Cover the jar with a dish cloth and leave in at room temperature for at least 2 days.
9. 9
   After 2 days, taste the kimchi. If it's not funky enough, let it sit for another day and taste again. If it is funky enough, you can transfer it to smaller glass jars if you like. Stores in the refrigerator.