How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can prepare the pumpkin puree a day in advance and add freshly cooked rice balls when serving.

What can I use instead of Kabocha pumpkin?

Butternut squash is a good alternative due to its similar sweetness and texture.

Can the porridge be made vegan?

Yes, this porridge is naturally vegan-friendly without any need for substitutions.

How can I adjust the sweetness?

Adjust the sugar according to your taste, or use a natural sweetener like honey.

Korean Pumpkin Porridge (Hobakjuk) with Sweet Rice Ball Garnish

Name: Korean Pumpkin Porridge (Hobakjuk) with Sweet Rice Ball Garnish
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Soup
Ingredients: 1 medium Kabocha pumpkin; 5 cups water; 2 tablespoons sugar; Pinch of salt; 1 cup glutinous rice flour; 1/3 cup water; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Toasted pine nuts; Black sesame seeds

Comforting and creamy Korean pumpkin porridge with chewy rice balls

A traditional Korean dish that's both nutritious and indulgent, perfect for warming up on a chilly day.

1 h 10 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Porridge

1 medium Kabocha pumpkin

peeled, seeded, and diced

5 cups water

2 tablespoons sugar

Pinch of salt

For the Sweet Rice Balls

1 cup glutinous rice flour

1/3 cup water

1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Garnish

Toasted pine nuts

lightly crushed

Black sesame seeds

toasted

Preparation

Preparing the Pumpkin

Combine pumpkin and water

In a large pot, combine diced pumpkin and water.

Boil then simmer

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low.

Cook until tender

Cook until the pumpkin is tender, about 20 minutes.

Making the Sweet Rice Balls

Form the dough

In a bowl, mix glutinous rice flour, salt, and water to form a soft dough.

Shape rice balls

Roll the dough into small marble-sized balls.

Dust your hands with flour while rolling the rice balls to prevent sticking. Ensure rice balls are sealed well to prevent them from breaking apart during cooking.

Set aside

Set the rice balls on a tray lined with parchment.

Cooking Process

Blend the pumpkin

Use an immersion blender to puree the cooked pumpkin until smooth.

Season the puree

Stir in sugar and a pinch of salt into the pumpkin puree.

Cook rice balls

In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook rice balls until they float, about 3-5 minutes.

Plating & Serving