Dong-teh-jung-gohl

Deadlines! Deadlines! Deadlines!

It's that time of year where everyone has something to do, somewhere to go, and someone to see. Anyone who has a job can explain the work of filing taxes. And trust me, it is. For college students, it's almost the end of the school year. And you know what that means! Papers, exams, presentations, projects, and most of all final grades!

During this busy season, I personally have been bogged down beyond belief. Like every other college student, I'm stuck in my room writing, reading, typing, memorizing, practicing, and crying away. But, after almost spending the entire weekend buried underneath my books, y parents thought I needed some fresh air. So, they took me out to dinner. Well, sort of. Not really.

We dined in... with take out. Yes, take out. I, too, was skeptical. But, I learned to never doubt your parents. Ever. So, for dinner, they brought home dong-teh-jung-gohl. Let me emphasize DONG! Not something else. (Please!)

Dong teh is known as the Alaska pollack or walleye pollack. It is a common fish eaten during the winter in Korea. The broth is most commonly stewed out of kelp and onions with some garlic. The pure broth is turned red with some crushed red peppers (go-chu-ga-roo). Some Korean radish, zucchini, onions, green onions, tofu, and some kimchi. And the star of the dish, the pollack, is added and stewed until it is cooked. The meat of the fish is white and the texture is soft and not mushy.

This dish is great on cold days and usually eaten during the winter. However, my parents bought me this dish as a stress reliever. This dish is spicy due to the crushed red peppers. And as disgusting as this might sound, you sweat when you eat this dish. And, I mean, sweat though this might differ depending on the person. But, I'll be frank, sometimes I sweat like a pig when I eat this dish. But, I feel so much better after eating and sweating. I know, it's weird, very weird. But I feel as if my stress melts away when I eat this dish and I feel good afterwards. 

Dong-teh-jung-gohl can be found at Chunju Han-il Kwan in Koreatown for an even $24 with tax. Yes, it is a bit pricey. But, it has its perks. It's meant for two people to eat, but it can feed more people because it is a lot of food. The dish comes with two bowls of rice and some side dishes. The side dishes are different day-to-day, but are equally delicious. 

So, if you're stressed out and want something to eat that will help you de-stress and fulfill your cravings, go out and try the dong-teh-jung-gohl because it helps you to sweat the stress out! And word of caution, try not to fill yourselves up on the side dishes, as delicious as they might be! Enjoy!