YoungMhal
Novice Foodie
Since it's still autumn, I tried making songpyeon at home. It is a traditional Korean autumn dish made of rice dough filled with sweet fillings like sesame seeds, red bean paste, or chestnuts.
Conclusion: Songpyeon is a delightful and traditional Korean autumn treat that's simple to make, yet full of flavor. You can make a few for yourself or many for the whole family to share.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:- 2 cups sweet rice flour (for making rice cake dough)
- 1/4 cup regular flour (for added texture)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for fragrance)
- A few drops of green tea powder (for color, optional)
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds (or pine nuts, or sweet red bean paste)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (or honey, for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:- Toast the sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan for about 5 minutes, then grind them into a coarse powder.
- In a bowl, mix the ground sesame seeds with brown sugar, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. You can substitute with red bean paste or chestnut paste for a different filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet rice flour, regular flour, and salt.
- Gradually add warm water and knead the mixture into a smooth dough. If using green tea powder, add it now to color part of the dough green (for aesthetic appeal).
- Once the dough is smooth, divide it into small portions and shape them into small balls. Flatten each ball into a small disc, about 3 inches in diameter.
- Place a small spoonful of the sesame filling (or your chosen filling) in the center of each dough disc.
- Gently fold the edges of the disc to seal the filling inside, pinching the dough to form a crescent shape.
- If desired, pinch the edges to create a pleated effect, which is traditional for Songpyeon.
- Prepare a steamer by lining it with a damp cloth or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Steam the songpyeon over medium-high heat for about 20-30 minutes, until they are cooked through.
- Once done, brush the songpyeon with a bit of sesame oil to give them a glossy finish and prevent them from sticking together.
- Serve the Songpyeon warm or at room temperature, either on their own or alongside some tea.
- Enjoy the chewy texture and the nutty-sweet filling, a perfect treat for autumn!
Conclusion: Songpyeon is a delightful and traditional Korean autumn treat that's simple to make, yet full of flavor. You can make a few for yourself or many for the whole family to share.