Sweet and Creamy Korean Pumpkin Porridge (Danho Bak Juk)
Easy Danho Bak Juk Recipe: Delicious Korean Pumpkin Porridge with Sweet Rice Flour
Indulge in a bowl of sweet and creamy Danho Bak Juk, a delightful Korean pumpkin porridge perfect for a hearty breakfast or a comforting snack. This recipe, enhanced with sweet rice flour for a wonderfully thick and chewy texture, guides you step-by-step from preparation to the final delicious result, making it accessible even for beginner cooks. We used a larger-than-expected pumpkin to create this delightful porridge. Instead of the traditional old squash, Danho Bak (sweet pumpkin) is easier to prepare and offers a superior taste, making it a popular choice for homemade pumpkin porridge. Enjoy a healthy and delicious bowl of Danho Bak Juk, made right in your own kitchen. Start your day with this warming porridge or enjoy it as a satisfying afternoon treat. Using an immersion blender ensures a wonderfully smooth consistency, and optional toppings like jujubes and pine nuts add an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
Danho Bak Juk Ingredients- 1 medium Sweet Pumpkin (Danho Bak)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Sea Salt (for seasoning)
- 3.5 cups Water (approx. 700ml)
Sweet Rice Flour Slurry (for thickening)- 2 Tbsp Sweet Rice Flour
- 4 Tbsp Water
Garnishes (Optional)- 1 Jujube (pitted, rolled, and sliced into flower shapes)
- 6 Pine Nuts
For Washing- 2 Tbsp Baking Soda
- 2 Tbsp Sweet Rice Flour
- 4 Tbsp Water
Garnishes (Optional)- 1 Jujube (pitted, rolled, and sliced into flower shapes)
- 6 Pine Nuts
For Washing- 2 Tbsp Baking Soda
- 2 Tbsp Baking Soda
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the sweet pumpkin for the recipe. (The pumpkin in the photo is a standard size.)
Step 2
Wash the sweet pumpkin thoroughly. Soak it in water briefly, then sprinkle 2 tablespoons of baking soda and scrub it gently. Rinse well under running water and pat dry.
Step 3
To make peeling easier, microwave the pumpkin for about 3 minutes. Adjust the time based on the pumpkin’s size and your microwave’s power. This step softens the tough skin.
Step 4
Once out of the microwave, cut the pumpkin in half. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp.
Step 5
For the porridge, the skin needs to be removed. Use a vegetable peeler to peel the skin. While you can eat the skin when steaming pumpkin, it’s best to remove it for a smoother porridge texture.
Step 6
With the pumpkin peeled, prepare the other ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of sweet rice flour with 4 tablespoons of water. Whisk until smooth to create the slurry. Also, measure out 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of sea salt.
Step 7
Cut the peeled pumpkin into small, bite-sized pieces. Smaller pieces will cook faster, reducing the overall cooking time.
Step 8
Place the chopped pumpkin in a pot. Add 3.5 cups (approximately 700ml) of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of sugar. The sugar helps to enhance the natural sweetness of the pumpkin.
Step 9
Check if the pumpkin is tender by piercing it with a chopstick or fork; it should yield easily. Once cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the pumpkin until smooth. (If you don’t have an immersion blender, a regular blender or a masher can be used.) Return the pot to the stove over low heat. Gradually pour in the prepared sweet rice flour slurry while stirring continuously. It’s crucial to keep stirring after adding the slurry to prevent it from sticking to the bottom and burning. Be cautious as the porridge can splatter when boiling.
Step 10
Your delicious and creamy Danho Bak Juk is ready! For the garnish, prepare the jujubes by removing the pits, rolling them up, and slicing them into flower shapes. Also, have the pine nuts ready. These garnishes are optional but add a beautiful presentation and an extra layer of flavor.
Step 11
Ladle the finished pumpkin porridge into serving bowls. Decorate with the prepared jujube flowers and pine nuts.
Step 12
Nutritional benefits of Sweet Pumpkin: Raw sweet pumpkin contains about 43 kcal per 100g, and steamed is about 51 kcal per 100g, making it a low-calorie food. Sweet pumpkin aids digestion, strengthens the intestines, and its high fiber content can assist with weight management. It also helps stabilize blood sugar, supports urinary tract health, and possesses antibacterial, anti-cancer, vision-enhancing, and immune-boosting properties.
Step 13
While steaming sweet pumpkin is delicious, this porridge offers a wonderfully satisfying meal. Rich in vitamins and minerals, sweet pumpkin is beneficial for people of all ages. Enjoy cooking and eating seasonal ingredients!
