Circassian Sirutteok

Ingredients

In this adaptation of Sirutteok to Circassian cuisine, we incorporate the unique flavors and ingredients of Circassian cuisine. While the original Korean Sirutteok is typically made with glutinous rice and filled with sweet ingredients, the Circassian version takes a savory twist. We substitute the glutinous rice with regular rice and add a mixture of ground meat, onions, and Circassian spices to create a more robust and savory flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Sirutteok, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) rice 2 cups (400g) rice
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander 1 teaspoon coriander
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste Black pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for greasing Vegetable oil, for greasing

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 2 hours. Drain the rice and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. 3.
   Add the soaked rice to the meat mixture and mix until well combined.
4. 4.
   Grease a steamer basket or tray with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
5. 5.
   Take a small portion of the rice and meat mixture and shape it into a small cake. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
6. 6.
   Place the rice cakes in the greased steamer basket or tray, making sure to leave some space between each cake.
7. 7.
   Steam the rice cakes over high heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the meat is tender.
8. 8.
   Remove the steamer basket or tray from the heat and let the rice cakes cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice — Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before soaking to remove any excess starch. This will help achieve a fluffy texture in the rice cakes.
• Ground beef — Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content in the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• You can add a touch of Circassian spice blend to the meat mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
• Serve the Circassian Sirutteok with a side of Circassian walnut sauce for a traditional accompaniment.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.

Serving advice

Serve the Circassian Sirutteok warm as a main course or as a side dish. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the rice cakes on a platter and drizzle the Circassian walnut sauce over them. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for an added visual appeal.