Sweet & Simple Homemade Pumpkin Porridge (Danho-bak Juk)
Ultra Easy Korean Pumpkin Porridge Recipe
Warming, nutritious, and incredibly delicious – this pumpkin porridge is the perfect comforting dish for chilly days. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a healthy and delightful treat for everyone. Let’s make this easy Danho-bak Juk together! ^^
Pumpkin Porridge Ingredients- 1 medium pumpkin (about 500-700g)
- 1/3 cup rice (short-grain or glutinous rice)
- 500ml water
- 500ml almond milk
- Maple syrup, to taste
- Pumpkin seeds, for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the star of our dish: the pumpkin. Thoroughly wash the exterior of the pumpkin. You can use baking soda or coarse salt to scrub it clean for an extra good clean, ensuring it’s perfectly ready for peeling later.
Step 2
We’ll use the microwave to pre-cook the whole pumpkin. Place the pumpkin on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or a lid. Microwave for about 5-6 minutes, repeating this process three times (for a total of 15-20 minutes), until the pumpkin is tender when pierced. Check its doneness periodically and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Step 3
Be careful when removing the hot pumpkin from the microwave! Let it cool down until it’s comfortable to handle. You’ll know it’s ready for the next step when it feels slightly soft to the touch.
Step 4
Before cutting the pumpkin, ensure it’s stable on your cutting board to prevent the knife from slipping. Since pumpkins are round, they can be tricky to cut. Placing a kitchen towel under the pumpkin can provide extra grip and safety. Cut the pumpkin in half crosswise, then further divide it into 4 or 6 equal wedges, depending on its size and how cooked it is.
Step 5
Once cut, you’ll see the stringy seeds and pulp inside. Use a spoon to scrape out all the seeds and fibrous bits cleanly. Removing these ensures a smoother texture and a cleaner flavor for your porridge.
Step 6
Now, it’s time to peel the pumpkin. For thinner skin, you can gently peel it off with a knife. If the skin is tough or difficult to remove, you can trim it off carefully. Alternatively, you can cook it with the skin on and then mash it later. Cut the peeled pumpkin into manageable pieces (about 2-3 cm) to make it easier for blending.
Step 7
Soaking the rice beforehand will help it cook down smoothly and achieve the perfect porridge consistency. Rinse about 1/3 cup of rice (short-grain or glutinous) and soak it in cool water for about 30 minutes to an hour. (1/3 cup using an electric rice cooker measure is approximately 50g).
Step 8
In your blender, combine the soaked rice and 500ml of fresh water. You can adjust the amount of water slightly depending on how well the rice soaked or your preferred porridge thickness.
Step 9
Add all the prepared pumpkin pieces (seeds and skin removed) to the blender with the rice and water. The natural sweetness and nutrients of the pumpkin will enrich the porridge’s flavor.
Step 10
Finally, pour in 500ml of almond milk for a creamy texture. While regular milk works too, almond milk adds a lovely nutty and subtle flavor. Secure the blender lid and blend everything until it becomes a very smooth, lump-free purée. Aim for a completely smooth consistency.
Step 11
This is what the blended mixture looks like. Blending it this smoothly is key to a creamy, well-combined pumpkin porridge after cooking. The smoothness might vary depending on your blender’s power, so blend a bit longer if needed.
Step 12
Pour the smooth pumpkin and rice mixture into a pot. Use a spatula to scrape out any remaining mixture from the blender into the pot – don’t waste any! Pour carefully to avoid splashing.
Step 13
Now, let’s cook the mixture over low heat. Stir continuously to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. You’ll notice a sweet, comforting aroma filling your kitchen. This is a good time to add maple syrup to sweeten the porridge to your liking. I added about 2-3 tablespoons here.
Step 14
Once the porridge has thickened and is perfectly smooth, carefully ladle it into serving bowls. A bowl of warm, homemade pumpkin porridge is incredibly comforting and satisfying.
Step 15
For an extra touch, garnish your delicious pumpkin porridge with toasted pumpkin seeds. They add a lovely crunch and visual appeal. A sprinkle of cinnamon is also a wonderful addition for extra flavor.
Step 16
Your healthy and delicious pumpkin porridge is ready! Enjoy this hearty and comforting bowl on a cold day. It’s a simple way to feel nourished and happy. Enjoy your cooking! ~~~
