Chaesojuk || Vegetable Porridge, 蔬菜粥, 蔬菜粥, 野菜粥, 채소죽 1

Chaesojuk or Vegetable Porridge, is a simple yet nourishing Korean dish that’s perfect for a light meal or a comforting breakfast. It’s a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your diet, making it a healthy and delicious option.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup short-grain rice
• 6 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup assorted vegetables (carrots, zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, etc.), chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevent the porridge from becoming sticky.
2. Cook the rice: In a large pot, combine the rinsed rice and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is soft and creamy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Sauté the vegetables: While the rice is cooking, heat the sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the assorted vegetables and cook until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Combine the ingredients: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the sautéed vegetables, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve: Serve the chaesojuk hot, garnished with chopped green onions. You can also serve it with side dishes like kimchi or pickled vegetables.

Tips:

• Vegetables: You can use any type of vegetables you like for this dish. Some popular choices include carrots, zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, and pumpkin.
• Broth: For a richer flavor, you can use vegetable broth instead of water. You can make your own vegetable broth by simmering vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery.
• Seasonings: Adjust the amount of soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like sesame oil, garlic powder, or ginger.
• Consistency: If you prefer a thicker porridge, you can add more rice or less water. If you prefer a thinner porridge, you can add more water or broth.