Heugimjajuk || Black Sesame Porridge, 黑芝麻粥, 黒ごま粥, 흑임자죽 2

Heugimjajuk or Black Sesame Porridge, is a luxurious and nutritious Korean porridge known for its rich, nutty flavor and numerous health benefits. Black sesame seeds are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, making this porridge a delightful and wholesome treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice (찹쌀)
• 6 cups water
• 1/4 cup black sesame seeds, toasted and ground
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Soak the rice: Rinse the glutinous rice thoroughly and soak it in water for at least 30 minutes or overnight. This helps the rice cook more evenly.
2. Cook the rice: Drain the soaked rice and add it to a pot with 6 cups of water. 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. Add the black sesame paste: Once the rice is cooked, gradually stir in the ground black sesame seeds. Continue to stir until the porridge is smooth and the sesame flavor is evenly distributed.
4. Season the porridge: Add honey or sugar to taste, and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your preference.
5. Serve: Serve the heugimjajuk hot. You can garnish it with toasted sesame seeds or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.

Tips:

• Toasting the sesame seeds: Toasting the sesame seeds brings out their nutty flavor and aroma. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until they are fragrant and slightly browned.
• Grinding the sesame seeds: You can use a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder to grind the toasted sesame seeds into a fine powder.
• Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet porridge, you can omit the honey or sugar altogether.
• Texture: For a smoother porridge, you can strain the cooked rice through a fine-mesh sieve before adding the black sesame paste.