Bae Suk (Pear Drink): Traditional Recipe with Peppercorns and Ginger Syrup for Sore Throats
A Soothing Pear Drink for Sore Throats: How to Make Bae Suk with Whole Peppercorns and Ginger Syrup
This is a traditional Bae Suk, known for its comforting properties, especially when you feel a slight chill or the beginnings of a cold. Its natural sweetness, combined with the subtle warmth of ginger and a hint of spice from the peppercorns, makes it a delightful and healthy tonic.
Ingredients
- 1 pear (medium size)
- 36 whole black peppercorns
- 2 Tbsp ginger syrup
- 6 Tbsp sugar
- 4 cups water (approx. 800ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
In a pot, combine 3-4 cups of purified water with 2 tablespoons of sweet and fragrant ginger syrup. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stirring occasionally will help the ginger syrup dissolve evenly.
Step 2
Wash one fresh pear thoroughly. Trim off the stem and cut the pear into 12 equal wedges. You can leave the skin on for extra nutrients, or peel it if you prefer. Removing the core and seeds from each wedge is recommended for a smoother drink.
Step 3
On the rounded side of each pear wedge (where the seeds were), use a chopstick or skewer to carefully make about three small, shallow holes. These holes will serve as anchors for the peppercorns.
Step 4
Gently press one whole black peppercorn into each of the pre-made holes in the pear wedges. The peppercorns will infuse the pear drink with a subtle, warming spice.
Step 5
Once the water infused with ginger syrup is simmering, carefully add all the prepared pear wedges into the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the pears gently cook.
Step 6
As the pears begin to soften, add 6 tablespoons of sugar to the pot. Continue to simmer, stirring gently to dissolve the sugar and allow it to meld with the pear’s natural sweetness. This also helps prevent the sugar from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 7
Continue simmering for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pear pieces become tender and slightly translucent, floating gently on the surface of the liquid. You can check for doneness by piercing a piece with a chopstick; it should slide in easily.
Step 8
Your comforting Bae Suk is ready! Enjoy this warm, subtly sweet, and slightly spicy drink, perfect for soothing a sore throat on a cold winter day. It’s a wonderful way to support your well-being.
