Rice porridge, also known as juk, congee or okayu, is a popular comfort food found in many Asian cuisines. This thick rice soup is often eaten as breakfast or when one is feeling under the weather. It’s easy on the stomach and provides a soothing warmth that’s quite comforting. In this article we talk about how to make Korean Vegetable Rice Porridge: Recipe and Ingredients.
The Korean version, known as juk, can have various ingredients and toppings added to make it even more substantial and nutritious. Today, we’ll be making a hearty vegetable juk, packed with healthy veggies and served with a simple garnish of sesame oil and sliced scallions. It’s a meal in itself!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup short grain white rice
- 6 cups water
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 cup diced zucchini
- 5 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 scallions, sliced thinly, for garnish
Health Benefits of The Main Ingredients
Rice: Rice is easily digested and provides carbohydrates for energy. It also contains small amounts of protein and fiber. White rice is lower in nutrients than brown rice but works very well for porridges. The starch released helps thicken the water to a creamy texture.
Carrots: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which gets converted into vitamin A to promote good vision and eye health. They also contain antioxidants and minerals like potassium.
Zucchini: Zucchini is high in vitamin C and manganese. It contains fiber to enhance digestion and has anti-inflammatory benefits as well.
Shiitake Mushrooms:
These mushrooms contain B vitamins like folate and minerals like copper. They are a good plant-based source of iron too. Shiitakes also contain antioxidants and compounds that boost immunity.
Spinach: Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A, C and K. It also provides magnesium, iron, fiber and antioxidants. Adding just a cup of spinach significantly boosts the nutrition of this porridge.
Garlic & Ginger: Garlic and ginger add a punch of flavor. They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects to boost health. Ginger also aids digestion.
Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor. It contains healthy fats, vitamin E, iron and magnesium. The antioxidants in it help control blood pressure too.
Scallions: Scallions provide vitamin K, vitamin C, folate and small amounts of other nutrients like iron and calcium. They add freshness and crunch as a garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rinse the rice well until the water runs clear. Then drain and set aside.
- In a heavy bottomed pot, bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, add in the rice, reduce heat to medium and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 15 minutes, the rice should have a porridge-like consistency. Add in the carrots, zucchini, mushrooms and spinach. Stir well.
- Make a quick garlic-ginger paste by mashing them together. Add to the porridge along with the sesame oil.
- Let simmer for 5 minutes more until all the vegetables are tender but still retain their shape and texture.
- Serve piping hot, garnished with sliced scallions and a dash more sesame oil if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like broccoli, kale, cabbage, beans or peas.
- For non-vegetarians, diced chicken, beef or seafood can be added too.
- Get creative with healthful toppings like eggs, nuts, seeds or healthy oils.
- For richer flavor, use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water.
- Cook the rice in an instant pot or rice cooker for faster preparation.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for later use.
The Final Outcome
This Korean vegetable juk is the ultimate comfort food – warm, nourishing and incredibly satiating. The rice and vegetable combo makes it a complete meal balanced with carbs, protein and healthy fats. It’s also vegetarian and gluten-free.
With its mild garlicky-gingery flavors and variety of textures from the tender rice and crisp-tender vegetables, it’s a bowlful of sheer warmth and goodness. The sesame oil adds a lovely nutty aroma while the scallions provide a fresh, herbaceous finish.
It’s no wonder juk is such a popular food when one is feeling under the weather. But it’s also perfect for any cold day when you crave something soothing and homey. Enjoy this versatile rice porridge as a hearty breakfast, a light lunch or even a comforting dinner. I sincerely hope you find this “Korean Vegetable Rice Porridge- Recipe and ingredients” article helpful.