First, grab that beautiful head of cabbage. Tear it into large pieces about three inches wide; don't worry if they vary a bit in size. Toss the torn cabbage into a large mixing bowl. Next, peel and slice your carrots into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the bowl. The carrots not only bring sweetness, but their vibrant orange color stands out beautifully against the green cabbage.

Sprinkle the ¼ cup of salt over the veggies. Then, with clean hands, scrunch everything together, ensuring the salt is well-distributed. You're essentially massaging the vegetables to draw out their moisture, which is key to achieving that crunchy texture. Once they’re thoroughly mixed, top the bowl with a heavy object—maybe a baking dish weighed down with a heavy mortar or pestle. Pop this in the refrigerator to marinate for about an hour; this step acts like a mini spa treatment for your veggies.

While those veggies are getting to know the salt, it’s time to make the brine. In a small pot, combine the water and sugar. Heat this mixture over medium heat until it comes to a gentle boil, then turn off the heat. Stir in the vinegar and the ½ teaspoon of salt, mixing until the sugar is dissolved. Now, this is where your kitchen can start smelling really good! Allow the mixture to cool completely before proceeding.

Once the veggies have marinated for an hour, you'll want to rinse them 2-3 times under cold running water to wash away excess salt. This step ensures the final product isn’t too salty. Drain them well and give them a gentle squeeze with a clean dish towel to remove any extra liquid.

Place your now-crunchy cabbage and carrots into a clean glass or ceramic container. Toss in the chopped garlic, the optional chili peppers for that spicy kick, and the fresh ginger for added flavor. Pour the cooled brine over the vegetables, making sure they are fully submerged. If needed, add more water to cover them completely. Seal the container and pop it in the fridge; let it sit for at least 24 hours before enjoying. If you can resist the temptation, waiting a bit longer will enhance the flavors even more!