Replenish Your Energy! Nutritious Damchae Juk Recipe
The Harmonious Blend of Mussels and Rice: Damchae Juk from ‘Jeongjoji’
Damchae Juk, featured in the ancient Korean medical text ‘Jeongjoji’, is a nourishing porridge made by combining ground mussels with non-glutinous rice. Mussels, the key ingredient, are known in traditional medicine for their ability to protect the five internal organs, boost male vitality, treat ‘Yogwi’ and ‘Gakgi’ (types of wind-related ailments), aid digestion of old food, and dispel coldness from the stomach. This healthy porridge is perfect for the whole family to enjoy, as it helps manage internal coldness and digest food effectively. Let’s walk through how to easily make this restorative dish at home!
Porridge Ingredients- 1/3 cup non-glutinous rice (approx. 60g)
- 75g dried mussels
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the non-glutinous rice thoroughly under running water a couple of times to remove any impurities. Place the rinsed rice in a bowl and add cold water to soak for about 3 hours. Soaking the rice until it softens is a crucial step for a creamy texture.
Step 2
After soaking, drain the rice completely using a sieve. Draining the water well will prevent the porridge from becoming too watery and help maintain a desirable consistency.
Step 3
Now, prepare the dried mussels. Lightly rinse the dried mussels in cold water to remove any dust. Place the dried mussels in a blender or grinder and process until they form a fine powder. If you’re concerned about a fishy smell, you can lightly toast the mussels before grinding.
Step 4
Set aside the finely ground mussel powder. Using it in this form will allow the rich flavor and nutrients of the mussels to infuse beautifully into the porridge.
Step 5
In a deep pot, combine the drained non-glutinous rice and the finely ground mussel powder. Add enough water to achieve your desired porridge consistency. It’s best to start with about 5-6 cups of water and add more as you cook if needed. (We recommend starting with about 5-6 cups of water).
Step 6
Begin cooking the porridge over high heat. It is essential to stir constantly from the beginning to the end with a spatula or ladle, ensuring you scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking. Stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
Step 7
Once the porridge comes to a boil, reduce the heat to medium. Cooking on high heat can cause the rice grains to remain somewhat separate and not cook through properly. Simmering gently over medium heat allows the rice to break down and the porridge to develop a richer flavor.
Step 8
Continue to cook over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice grains have softened and the porridge has thickened to your liking. If it’s too thin, simmer a little longer; if it’s too thick, add a splash more water to reach the perfect consistency. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious and nourishing Damchae Juk!
