Dongji Traditional Food : Patjuk (Korean Red Bean Porridge)

Patjuk (Korean Red Bean Porridge)

A Traditional Winter Comfort Food

Patjuk is a traditional Korean porridge made from red beans.
It is most commonly eaten on Dongji, the winter solstice,
to bring warmth, health, and protection during the cold season.

This recipe is simple, comforting, and beginner-friendly.

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🫘 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

• 1 cup dried red beans (adzuki beans)
• 5 cups water (for boiling beans)
• 2–3 cups water (for porridge consistency)
• ¼ cup short-grain rice flour (or glutinous rice flour)
• 1 pinch salt
• Sugar (optional, to taste)

👉 Optional:

• Sweet rice balls (saealsim)
• Chestnuts or jujubes (for garnish)

🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions 

Step 0. Soak the Red Beans (Important)

Wash the red beans and soak them in water overnight (at least 8 hours).
This helps the beans cook faster and improves texture and digestion.

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Step 1. First Boil and Discard the Water

Drain the soaked beans and place them in a pot with fresh water.
Bring to a boil for 5–10 minutes, then discard this first boiling water.

This step removes bitterness and makes the porridge taste cleaner.

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Step 2. Cook the Red Beans Again

Add fresh water to the pot and simmer the beans for 40–50 minutes
until they are very soft.

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Step 3. Make Red Bean Paste

Strain the beans and save the second cooking liquid.
Mash or blend the beans into a smooth paste.

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Step 4. Make the Porridge Base

Pour the reserved red bean liquid back into the pot.
Add the red bean paste and 2–3 cups of water, depending on thickness.
Simmer on low heat and stir gently.

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Step 5. Add Rice Balls (Optional)

Mix rice flour with a little water and form small marble-sized balls.
Add them to the porridge and cook until they float.

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Step 6. Season and Serve

Add a pinch of salt.
For a sweet version, add sugar to taste.

Serve warm.

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💡 Why These Steps Matter

• Soaking overnight improves texture and digestion
• Discarding the first boiling water removes bitterness
• The second boil creates a deeper, cleaner red bean flavor

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✨ Beginner Tip Box 

If you skip the soaking step, the beans will take much longer to cook and the texture may be uneven.