Jain Ttongppang (Korean Rice Cake)

Ingredients

In the Jain adaptation of Ttongppang, the original recipe's use of meat and seafood is replaced with a variety of vegetables to adhere to Jain vegetarianism. Additionally, the Jain-friendly sauce omits ingredients like onions and garlic, which are not consumed in Jain cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Ttongppang, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) rice cakes 2 cups (470ml) rice cakes
• 1 cup (240ml) bell peppers, thinly sliced 1 cup (240ml) bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (240ml) carrots, julienned 1 cup (240ml) carrots, julienned
• 1 cup (240ml) mushrooms, sliced 1 cup (240ml) mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon green chili, finely chopped (optional) 1 teaspoon green chili, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 5g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Soak the rice cakes in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, green chili (if using), sugar, and black pepper to make the Jain-friendly sauce.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Add bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
5. 5.
   Drain the rice cakes and add them to the pan. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the rice cakes are heated through.
6. 6.
   Pour the Jain-friendly sauce over the rice cakes and vegetables. Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring everything is well coated.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
8. 8.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice cakes — Soaking the rice cakes in warm water helps to soften them and ensures they cook evenly.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier dish, add more green chili to the Jain-friendly sauce.
• Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences and seasonal availability.
• For a touch of freshness, squeeze some lime juice over the finished dish before serving.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences by adding more soy sauce or black pepper.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Jain Ttongppang is best served hot as a main course. It pairs well with steamed rice or can be enjoyed on its own as a light and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few additional fresh cilantro leaves. Serve it in a vibrant bowl to showcase the colorful vegetables.