Umami GuruRecipes

Danpatjuk (단팥죽)

Korea

Danpatjuk

Traditional Korean sweet porridge made from red beans, served hot with tender rice balls (tteok) and an aromatic garnish of pine nuts, chestnuts, and cinnamon.

Ingredients

Steps

  1. Danpatjuk step 1

    Discard damaged beans and rinse them.

  2. Danpatjuk step 2

    Add the beans and 4 cups of water to a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

  3. Danpatjuk step 3

    Drain the water.

  4. Danpatjuk step 4

    Return the beans to the pot, add another 4 cups of water, cover, and simmer over medium‑low heat until the beans are very soft (about 1–1.5 hours).

  5. Danpatjuk step 5

    Puree the beans with the liquid until smooth and very fine.

  6. Danpatjuk step 6

    In a separate cup, dissolve 1 tablespoon of glutinous rice flour in ½ cup of water, then pour into the pot with the puree. Add ½ teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and honey to taste.

  7. Danpatjuk step 7

    Simmer uncovered over medium‑low heat, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes; if needed, thin with water to desired consistency.

  8. Danpatjuk step 8

    Mix ½ cup of glutinous rice flour, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.

  9. Danpatjuk step 9

    Add 4 tablespoons of boiling water, stir with a spoon. When the dough cools enough, knead it by hand until smooth.

  10. Danpatjuk step 10

    Shape the dough into a cylinder about 3 cm thick, cut into pieces about 3 cm long, and roll each piece into a small ball.

  11. Danpatjuk step 11

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil, drop the balls in, and cook until they float (≈ 2–3 minutes).

  12. Danpatjuk step 12

    Transfer the balls to a large bowl of cold water, cool, then drain.

  13. Danpatjuk step 13

    Place a serving of porridge in a bowl, add a few hot rice balls, and garnish with pine nuts, chestnuts, and a pinch of cinnamon if desired.