Black Sesame Porridge

Ingredients

While the original Heukimjajuk is a Korean dish made with black sesame seeds, the Liaoning adaptation incorporates the flavors and techniques of Liaoning cuisine. The Liaoning version may have a slightly different balance of sweetness and may use local ingredients to enhance the dish's flavor profile. Additionally, the cooking techniques and serving traditions may vary to align with the culinary customs of Liaoning. We alse have the original recipe for Heukimjajuk, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (200g) black sesame seeds 1 cup (200g) black sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup (100g) glutinous rice 1/2 cup (100g) glutinous rice
• 6 cups (1.4L) water 6 cups (1.4L) water
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• Optional toppings: crushed peanuts, sliced almonds, honey Optional toppings: crushed peanuts, sliced almonds, honey

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 8g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a dry skillet, toast the black sesame seeds over medium heat until fragrant and slightly golden. Remove from heat and let them cool.
2. 2.
   Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
3. 3.
   In a blender or food processor, grind the toasted black sesame seeds until they turn into a fine powder.
4. 4.
   In a large pot, combine the ground black sesame powder, glutinous rice, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. 6.
   Once the rice is fully cooked and the porridge has thickened, add sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and let the porridge cool slightly.
8. 8.
   Serve the Black Sesame Porridge warm, garnished with crushed peanuts, sliced almonds, and a drizzle of honey, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Black sesame seeds — Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their flavor. Be careful not to burn them during the toasting process.
• Glutinous rice — Rinse the rice well to remove excess starch before cooking. This will help achieve a smoother texture in the porridge.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the cooked porridge and then mix it back into the pot before serving.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your preference.
• Experiment with different toppings such as shredded coconut or chopped dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
• Leftover porridge can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or milk to adjust the consistency if needed.
• To make it more filling, serve the porridge with steamed buns or Chinese fried dough sticks (youtiao).

Serving advice

Serve the Black Sesame Porridge warm in individual bowls. Garnish with crushed peanuts, sliced almonds, and a drizzle of honey for added flavor and visual appeal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle a pinch of ground black sesame seeds on top of the porridge just before serving. This adds a contrasting color and highlights the main ingredient.