Creamy and Sweet Pumpkin Porridge (Danho-bak Juk)
Creamy and Sweet Pumpkin Porridge (Danho-bak Juk)
A Hearty and Delicious Single Meal: Creamy Pumpkin Porridge
This pumpkin porridge is a must-have during its peak season! Made with sweet pumpkins, it’s a comforting and nutritious dish.
Ingredients- 2 mini sugar pumpkins (thoroughly washed)
- 1.5 servings of rice (approx. 150g, soaked for over 30 minutes)
- 0.5 serving of peeled chickpeas (approx. 50g)
- 1.2L (1200ml) water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the mini sugar pumpkins meticulously using baking soda to avoid damaging the skin, then rinse thoroughly under running water. Soak them in a vinegar-water solution (10 cups of water with 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar) for 5 minutes, and rinse again. This process helps remove residual pesticides and enhances freshness.
Step 2
Place the pumpkins with the stems facing down in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and microwave for 4 minutes. This will slightly cook the pumpkin, making it easier to cut. Carefully remove from the microwave, cut in half, and scoop out the seeds and stringy insides.
Step 3
Using a vegetable peeler, roughly peel the skin of the pumpkin, focusing on the thicker parts. It’s okay to leave some skin on, as it will soften during cooking. If you prefer to eat the skin, you can skip this step.
Step 4
Cut the peeled pumpkin into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 cm). Cut them into roughly similar sizes to make blending easier. Using a blender will result in a smoother porridge texture.
Step 5
Combine the soaked rice, peeled chickpeas, and the cut pumpkin in a blender. Blend until smooth. (Alternatively, you can use unsoaked rice or blend the rice separately if you prefer some texture.) Transfer the blended mixture to a pot and add 1.2L of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer, adjusting the consistency. If it becomes too thick, add a little more water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer.
Step 6
Stir constantly with a spatula, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice grains are fully cooked and soft. (Optional) For added texture, you can add corn kernels once the rice starts to soften and cook them together. The popping corn kernels add a delightful bite.
Step 7
Once the porridge starts to bubble vigorously, it’s almost done. Continue to simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes. We prefer a slightly thicker porridge, so we finished it at this consistency. If you like a thinner porridge, simply increase the amount of water. You can season with a pinch of salt or add soy sauce just before serving. Enjoying the natural sweetness of the pumpkin is also delicious. Serve hot for a delightful pumpkin porridge!
