Warm Steamed Pear Drink (Baesuk)
Warm Steamed Pear Drink (Baesuk)
Easy Homemade Baesuk Recipe: A Sweet Steamed Pear and Honey Drink for Cold Prevention
Known as a natural cold remedy, Baesuk is a comforting, warm drink made from steamed pear with honey, ginger, and jujubes, perfect for warming the body. This recipe utilizes the pear’s rich fiber, hydration, and vitamins, combined with the warming properties of ginger to help with cold sensitivity, and the immune-boosting benefits of jujubes, which are packed with Vitamin C, iron, and calcium. We’ll guide you step-by-step to create this ultimate natural cold fighter for winter. The method involves hollowing out the center of the pear, filling it with finely chopped jujubes and ginger, and then steaming it whole in a pot. This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow. While an electric pressure cooker’s steam function works well, steaming it directly in a pot allows you to enjoy the flavorful broth as a tea, or scoop out the soft, sweet steamed pear to mash and briefly re-simmer for a smoother consistency. The sweetness from the pear and honey beautifully balances the slight spiciness of the ginger, creating a delicious and healthy beverage. Here’s how to make it, step by step.
Ingredients- 1 Pear
- A small amount of baking soda (for washing)
- 2-3 Jujubes (Dried)
- 1-2 small pieces of Ginger
- 1 Tbsp Honey (or adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Since the pear is often used with its skin on, thorough washing is crucial. Use baking soda to gently scrub the entire surface of the pear, ensuring it’s clean. If using dried jujubes, which have wrinkles, use a small brush to clean between them thoroughly.
Step 2
Prepare the ginger and honey that will be added to the pear. Once all ingredients are ready, you’re set to begin making your delicious Baesuk.
Step 3
First, carefully cut off about one-third of the top portion of the pear. This will serve as the ‘lid’ for your steamed pear.
Step 4
Next, use a knife to carefully hollow out the center of the pear. You can scoop out the core and some flesh to create a cavity. If it’s difficult to reach the bottom, a spoon’s curved edge can be helpful.
Step 5
Set aside the scooped-out pear flesh. This will be finely chopped along with the jujubes and ginger to be refilled into the pear later.
Step 6
For the jujubes, first remove the hard pit in the center by using a swirling cutting motion. Then, thinly slice the jujube flesh lengthwise. Tip: You can create a beautiful ‘jujube flower’ effect by rolling the sliced jujubes and then cutting them thinly. Slice according to your preference.
Step 7
Peel the ginger and slice it thinly. For better absorption of gingerol, the compound responsible for ginger’s pungency, it’s recommended to mince or grate it finely. Be mindful of the quantity to avoid making it too spicy.
Step 8
Now, it’s time to fill the hollowed-out pear. Add the finely chopped pear flesh, sliced jujubes, and sliced ginger evenly into the pear cavity.
Step 9
Finally, drizzle one tablespoon of honey over the ingredients inside the pear. You can adjust the amount of honey based on the natural sweetness of the pear and your personal preference for sweetness.
Step 10
When steaming the pear in a pot, it’s essential to place a heatproof dish at the bottom to catch any juices that might leak out. Pour about 300ml of water into the bottom of the pot, place the dish on top, and then set the filled pear onto the dish.
Step 11
Place the filled pear with the reserved lid on top onto the dish in the pot. Cover the pot and steam over medium-low heat for about 50 minutes, ensuring the lid remains sealed. The resulting Baesuk will have a gentle aroma of medicinal herbs and a pleasant sweetness, making it an ideal warm drink for preventing winter colds. For children, omitting the ginger can make it more palatable. You can also enhance the flavor by adding ingredients like whole peppercorns. We hope you enjoy this delicious and healthy Baesuk to stay warm and well this winter!
