Hobakjuk

Ingredients

Instructions

1. 1

   Cut the peeled and seeded kabocha into small 2-3 cm chunks for faster cooking. Bring a medium pot with the water to a boil.

2. 2

   Add the pumpkin to the boiling water, reduce to a lively simmer, cover partially, and cook for 12-15 minutes until very tender. A knife should slide through easily with no resistance.

3. 3

   While the pumpkin cooks, make the rice-ball dough: combine the glutinous rice flour and fine salt in a bowl, then stir in the hot water. When cool enough to handle, knead for 1-2 minutes until smooth and soft, like playdough. If it feels dry, add a few extra drops of water; if sticky, dust with a little more flour.

4. 4

   Divide the dough into 10-12 small pieces and roll into marble-sized balls. Keep them covered so they do not dry out.

5. 5

   When the pumpkin is fully tender, blend it with the cooking liquid in the pot using an immersion blender until silky smooth. If using a countertop blender, blend carefully in batches and return to the pot.

6. 6

   Stir the 3 g fine salt and sugar into the pumpkin puree. Bring it back to a gentle simmer, stirring often so the thick porridge does not catch on the bottom.

7. 7

   Drop in the rice balls and simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring carefully to prevent sticking. They are done when they float and turn slightly glossy and chewy.

8. 8

   Ladle the hobakjuk into bowls, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and serve hot. The porridge will continue to thicken as it stands.

Nutrition per serving

Notes

• •Kabocha gives the best natural sweetness and chestnut-like flavor, but butternut squash can be used if needed; the porridge may be a little less dense and sweet.
• •If the porridge becomes too thick, loosen it with 30-60 ml hot water at the end until it reaches a silky spoonable consistency.
• •For a more traditional sweetness, you can replace the sugar with 20-25 g brown sugar or Korean pumpkin porridge syrup if available.
• •This dish works well as a light breakfast, snack, or gentle meal when you want something warm and easy to digest.

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