Heugimja-juk facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Heugimja-juk

Alternative names	Black sesame porridge
Type	Juk
Place of origin	Korea
Serving temperature	60–65 °C (140–149 °F)
Main ingredients	Black sesame, rice
Food energy (per 1 serving)	55 kcal (230 kJ)

Heugimja-juk (pronounced "hoo-gim-ja-jook") is a special Korean porridge. It is also known as black sesame porridge. This warm, comforting dish is made from finely ground black sesame seeds and rice. It has a unique bittersweet and nutty taste. Many people enjoy Heugimja-juk because it is thought to be very healthy. It is often given to people who are recovering from an illness. This is because black sesame seeds contain helpful things called digestive enzymes. These enzymes can support healthy liver and kidney functions.

How to Make Heugimja-juk

Making Heugimja-juk involves a few simple steps. First, you need to wash and soak the black sesame seeds and the rice. It is important to do this separately.

Preparing the Ingredients

• Wash the black sesame seeds very well. Then, let them soak in water for a while. After soaking, drain the water.
• Do the same for the rice. Wash it, soak it, and then drain it.

Cooking the Porridge

• Next, gently toast the black sesame seeds. You should do this over low heat. This helps to bring out their nutty flavor.
• After toasting, mix the black sesame seeds with the soaked rice and some water.
• This mixture is then ground into a smooth paste. People traditionally used a millstone for this. Today, most people use a blender.
• Once ground, the mixture is carefully sifted. This makes sure the porridge is very smooth.
• Finally, the smooth mixture is simmered over heat until it becomes a thick, creamy porridge.