Hobak-juk

Hobak-juk or pumpkin porridge, is a variety of Korean porridge, or juk, made with pumpkin and glutinous rice flour. Recovering patients or the elderly traditionally receive this smooth and naturally sweet porridge.

Preparation

Pumpkins, preferably Korean cheese pumpkins called cheongdung-hobak or kabocha squash called danhobak, are washed and sliced into pieces. It is boiled, peeled, deseeded, and mashed. Mashed pumpkin can be strained to obtain a smoother texture. It is then mixed with glutinous rice flour slurry and boiled, during which parboiled red beans or black beans may be added. Another common addition is saealsim, the small rice cake balls made of glutinous rice flour kneaded with hot water. Finally, salt and, optionally, sugar are added to taste.