Homemade Chestnut Porridge (Bam-juk): A Sweet and Nourishing Treat
How to Make Delicious Chestnut Porridge with Steamed Chestnuts
Enjoy a bowl of wonderfully smooth and satisfying chestnut porridge (Bam-juk), made with the natural sweetness of steamed chestnuts. This recipe is perfect as a light meal or a nourishing snack, offering a comforting taste and a velvety texture.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rice (approx. 50g)
- 15 cooked and peeled chestnuts (approx. 150g)
- 1 cup milk (200ml)
- 3 cups water (600ml)
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water and let it soak for 30 minutes. Soaking the rice makes it much softer and helps it break down beautifully into the porridge.
Step 2
Wash the chestnuts, then place them in a steamer basket. Steam them for about 15-20 minutes until they are soft and tender. Once cooked, remove the shells.
Step 3
Drain the soaked rice and transfer it to a blender. Add 1 cup (200ml) of water and blend until the rice is smooth and forms a paste. Blending the rice ensures a creamier texture for your porridge.
Step 4
Add the steamed and peeled chestnuts to the blender as well. Blend them until smooth. This step further enhances the velvety texture and chestnut flavor of the porridge.
Step 5
In a pot, add the remaining 2 cups (400ml) of water and bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, carefully pour in the blended rice mixture. Immediately stir vigorously with a spatula or whisk to prevent any lumps from forming. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is fully cooked and has broken down into a thick porridge consistency.
Step 6
When the rice is well-cooked and the porridge has thickened slightly, add the blended chestnut mixture to the pot. It’s a nice touch to set aside 1-2 steamed chestnuts to thinly slice and use as a garnish later. Stir well to combine the chestnuts with the porridge and continue to cook, ensuring it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Step 7
Once the porridge starts to bubble again after adding the chestnuts, slowly pour in 1 cup (200ml) of milk. The milk enriches the flavor and contributes to the smooth, creamy character of the porridge.
Step 8
Continue to cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to prevent the porridge from sticking to the pot. Cook until the porridge reaches your desired consistency – it should be thick but still pourable.
Step 9
Finally, season the porridge with a pinch of salt. Salt helps to enhance the natural sweetness of the chestnuts and balances the overall flavor. Taste and adjust the salt according to your preference.
Step 10
Ladle the warm chestnut porridge into serving bowls. Garnish with the reserved sliced chestnuts for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy your delicious homemade Bam-juk as a comforting breakfast or a nutritious snack!
