Fragrant Mugwort Rice (Ssukbap)
Healthy Spring Dish: Nutritious Mugwort Rice with Mushrooms
This recipe brings the goodness of spring into your rice bowl with fragrant mugwort (ssuk). We’ve also added mushrooms for extra flavor and texture, making this simple yet nourishing dish a delight for the whole family.
Ingredients- Fresh mugwort, a good handful (about 1 cup packed)
- 1 Shiitake mushroom (or your preferred mushroom)
- 1 serving of rice (approx. 1 cup uncooked rice)
- Water (slightly less than usual for cooking rice)
- A dash of sesame oil (optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the mugwort and pat it dry. Slice the mushrooms thinly. I’ve used about 1 shiitake mushroom here, but you can substitute with other mushrooms if you like. Soaking the sliced mushrooms in cold water for a bit can enhance their texture.
Step 2
Rinse the rice and soak it for about 30 minutes. Drain the water well. Place the soaked rice in your rice cooker. Use slightly less water than you normally would for cooking this amount of rice. Distribute the sliced mushrooms and mugwort evenly over the rice. Now, just press the cook button on your rice cooker, and it will do all the work to create a delicious mugwort rice! (Adjust the amount of mugwort to your preference; starting with one handful is a good idea, and you can add more next time if you desire a stronger flavor.)
Step 3
Your rice cooker has beautifully prepared the fragrant mugwort rice. As the rice cooks, the wonderful aroma of mugwort and mushrooms will fill your kitchen, making you eager to dig in! Gently fluff the rice with a spatula, being careful not to mash the grains.
Step 4
After mixing, I felt that perhaps a little more mugwort would have been perfect. The delightful fragrance of the mugwort combined with the chewy texture of the mushrooms creates a truly satisfying rice dish. Feel free to adjust the mugwort quantity to achieve your ideal flavor profile.
Step 5
The mushrooms add a wonderful chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft rice. The subtle aroma of the mugwort and the umami from the mushrooms create a harmonious blend that elevates the entire dish. For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, you can also sprinkle some fresh mugwort on top after cooking.
Step 6
This mugwort rice is incredibly delicious when served with warm kimchi or simple side dishes. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a healthy meal that doesn’t feel overly complicated. How about bringing the vibrant essence of spring to your table with this nourishing mugwort rice?
