Heukimja-juk

Ingredients

• 2⅛ ozBlack sesame seedstoasted and finely ground; black sesame powder or black sesame paste also work
• 5¼ ozShort grain ricerinsed, soaked at least 1 hour, then ground with water
• 3⅛ ozSweet rice flourquick alternative to soaked rice, stirred smooth with water first (optional)
• 5⅛ cupsWaterused in portions: part for blending, the rest for cooking and thinning
• 1 tspSaltstir in only after cooking or serve at the table
• 1 tbspHoneyto sweeten, or sugar/maple syrup; can also be served on the side (optional)
• 2dried jujubespitted, cut into thin strips or rolled slices as garnish (optional)
• 1 tbspPumpkin seedsas garnish (optional)
• 1 tbspPine nutsas garnish, almonds also possible (optional)
• 6 ozSilken tofublended in for a creamier texture (optional)

Method

1. Rinse and soak the riceRinse the short grain rice several times until the water stays clear, then soak it in plenty of water for at least 1 hour and drain.
2. Toast the black sesameGive the black sesame seeds a quick wash, drain them well, and toast them in a dry pan over low heat until fragrant, stirring constantly.
3. Grind the sesame finelyGrind the toasted sesame finely, or blend it smooth with part of the water, until you can no longer feel any whole seeds.
4. Blend the soaked riceBlend the soaked rice with about a quarter of the water until you have a milky, slightly coarse mixture.
5. Combine and bring to a boilStir the rice and sesame mixtures together in a pot with the remaining water and bring to a boil, stirring the whole time so nothing catches on the bottom.
6. Simmer until thickenedLower the heat and let the porridge simmer gently, stirring, until it thickens and the rice grains are soft; add more water as needed until the consistency is right.
7. Salt and sweeten to tasteOnly now stir in the salt – added early it would make the porridge watery – and sweeten with honey, sugar or maple syrup if you like.
8. Garnish and serveLadle the porridge warm into bowls and top with jujube strips, pumpkin seeds or pine nuts; put salt and honey, sugar or maple syrup on the table for everyone to adjust.

Tips and variations

If you're in a hurry, swap the soaked rice for sweet rice flour stirred smooth with water first – no soaking time needed. Ready-made black sesame paste works instead of toasting your own seeds, and for an extra creamy bowl blend in some silken tofu. You can also grind the rice only coarsely and stir the ground sesame into the finished porridge at the end, and light sesame works just as well as black. Serve it warm or at room temperature – sweet with honey, maple syrup or agave, with fresh fruit, granola and goji berries alongside.