Smooth Black Sesame Porridge (Heukimja Juk)
[Nourishing Black Sesame Porridge] A Taste of Nostalgia – Rich Nutty Flavor
Experience the comforting taste of Heukimja Juk, a classic Korean porridge. This recipe combines the deep, nutty aroma of black sesame with the creamy texture of rice, reminiscent of traditional home-style cooking. It’s a perfect, wholesome meal, especially ideal for those who appreciate slow food. If you have a bag of black sesame seeds like me, this is a wonderful way to use them up and create a nutritious dish. It’s particularly convenient for individuals living alone, making for a satisfying breakfast or a healthy snack.
Porridge Ingredients- 100g short-grain rice (approx. 1/2 cup)
- 40g roasted black sesame seeds (approx. 1/3 cup)
- 3 pine nuts (for garnish)
- 2g fine salt (approx. 1/3 tsp)
- 800ml water (approx. 3.5 cups)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing 100g of short-grain rice. Rinse the rice thoroughly and soak it in cold water for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Soaking the rice helps it to break down better and create a smoother porridge consistency.
Step 2
After soaking, drain the rice in a sieve for a moment. You don’t need to dry it completely, just allow the excess water to drip off.
Step 3
In a blender, combine the drained rice, 150ml of water, and 40g of well-roasted black sesame seeds. Roasting the black sesame seeds beforehand enhances their nutty flavor and removes any potential raw taste.
Step 4
Blend the mixture until it’s smooth. The longer you blend, the smoother the porridge will be. You can adjust the blending time according to your preference – some like it completely smooth, while others prefer a slightly coarser texture.
Step 5
Pour the blended rice and black sesame mixture into a pot. Add another 150ml of water to the blender, swirl it around to rinse out any remaining mixture, and add this water to the pot as well. The total amount of water should be 800ml (150ml used for blending + 150ml for rinsing + 500ml additional water = 800ml total).
Step 6
Place the pot over medium heat. Stir continuously with a spatula to prevent the porridge from sticking to the bottom or burning. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice grains have softened and the porridge has thickened to your desired consistency. Constant stirring is key!
Step 7
Once the porridge reaches a thick consistency, season it with 2g of fine salt. Adjust the salt to your taste. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you prefer a sweeter porridge, you can add a small amount of sugar. Garnish with the pine nuts before serving. Enjoy your warm, delicious Heukimja Juk!
