Yaksik - Central African Style

Ingredients

In this Central African adaptation of Yaksik, we incorporate the flavors and ingredients commonly found in Central African cuisine. The original Korean dish is traditionally made with ingredients such as jujubes and pine nuts, which are replaced with dried fruits like dates and raisins, and roasted peanuts, respectively. The spices used in the Central African version, such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, add a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from the original Korean dish. We alse have the original recipe for Yaksik, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cloves 4 cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 1/2 cup (75g) roasted peanuts 1/2 cup (75g) roasted peanuts
• 1/2 cup (80g) dried dates, chopped 1/2 cup (80g) dried dates, chopped
• 1/2 cup (80g) raisins 1/2 cup (80g) raisins
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 58g, 18g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, combine the rinsed rice, water, cinnamon stick, cloves, and ground nutmeg.
3. 3.
   Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
4. 4.
   Simmer the rice for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
5. 5.
   Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
6. 6.
   In a separate bowl, combine the honey, roasted peanuts, dried dates, raisins, and a pinch of salt.
7. 7.
   Fluff the cooked rice with a fork, then add the honey and nut mixture to the rice.
8. 8.
   Gently fold the mixture into the rice until well combined.
9. 9.
   Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch before cooking.
• Roasted peanuts — If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can lightly toast the peanuts before adding them to the dish.
• Dried dates — Make sure to chop the dates into small pieces to distribute their sweetness evenly throughout the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dish.
• Feel free to experiment with different dried fruits such as figs or apricots to add variety to the dish.
• If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can increase the amount of honey used.
• Serve the Yaksik warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Yaksik can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or as a dessert. Serve it in individual bowls or on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts and a dusting of ground cinnamon for an extra touch of elegance.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of Yaksik, consider molding the rice mixture into small individual portions using a round cookie cutter. Place the molded portions on a decorative plate and garnish with a few whole roasted peanuts and a drizzle of honey.