Korean Temple Food: Pumpkin Rice Cakes & Rice Balls Recipe

Discover the delightful world of Korean temple cuisine with this recipe for Bo Bom Buri and Sanhaeng rice balls. These subtly sweet and savory treats, traditionally prepared in Buddhist temples, offer a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, these rice balls are a testament to the mindful approach to food in Korean temple life. The delicate sweetness of the pumpkin in the Bo Bom Buri contrasts beautifully with the earthy notes of the Sanhaeng rice balls, creating a truly unique culinary experience. Both recipes emphasize the use of natural, seasonal ingredients, reflecting the respect for nature inherent in temple food philosophy.

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey as we guide you through the preparation of these exquisite rice balls. This step-by-step guide will walk you through each stage of the process, from preparing the ingredients to shaping and cooking the final product, ensuring you can recreate the magic of Korean temple cuisine in your own kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a curious beginner, you'll find this recipe both rewarding and delicious.

Tools Needed

  • Knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Pot
  • Spatula
  • Stone (optional)

Ingredients

  • Pumpkin
  • Rice flour
  • Beans
  • Peanuts
  • Dried peppers
  • Sea salt
  • Water
  • Oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Pumpkin and Rice Flour Mixture

  • Cut the pumpkin and wipe off the bottom.
  • Mix rice flour (avoid adding water initially, it will be too thick).
  • Add beans, peanuts, and other ingredients to the rice flour mixture.
Cut the pumpkin and wipe off the bottom.Add beans, peanuts, and other ingredients to the rice flour mixture.
Prepare the Pumpkin and Rice Flour Mixture

Step 2. Cook the Rice Cakes

  • Cook the rice flour mixture over heat for 30-40 minutes.
Cook the rice flour mixture over heat for 30-40 minutes.
Cook the Rice Cakes

Step 3. Ferment the Peppers (Optional, for a spicy side)

  • Put dried peppers in lukewarm water, press them down, and let them ferment for about a month or two.
  • After fermentation, periodically crush and eat the fermented peppers. Remove stems before eating. You can adjust saltiness by adding more water or salt.
Prepare the fermented peppers: Put dried peppers in lukewarm water, press them down, and let them ferment for about a month or two.After fermentation, periodically crush and eat the fermented peppers. Remove stems before eating. You can adjust saltiness by adding more water or salt.
Ferment the Peppers (Optional, for a spicy side)

Read more: Easy Korean Rainbow Rice Cake (Mujigae-tteok) Recipe

Tips

  • Don't make the pumpkin mixture too loud.
  • If the rice flour mixture is too thick, adjust the consistency.
  • Season the rice flour mixture appropriately with salt to avoid blandness.
  • Adjust the spiciness of the fermented peppers by adding more or less.
  • If the fermented peppers are too salty, soak them in water to reduce saltiness.
  • For those who don't like spicy food, use non-spicy peppers or adjust seasoning accordingly.

Nutrition

  • Calories: varies
  • Fat: variesg
  • Carbs: variesg
  • Protein: variesg

FAQs

1. What are the key ingredients in Korean temple food, specifically for these rice cakes and balls?

The key ingredients are typically rice, pumpkin (for the rice cakes), various vegetables, and sometimes nuts or seeds. The focus is on simple, natural, and seasonal ingredients.

2. Are these recipes difficult to make for a beginner?

No, these recipes are relatively straightforward, even for beginners. The steps are clearly explained, and the techniques are basic.

3. Can I substitute ingredients? For example, what if I don't have pumpkin?

While pumpkin adds a lovely sweetness and texture, you could potentially substitute sweet potato or even another sturdy vegetable like carrot for the rice cakes. For the rice balls, substitutions depend on what other vegetables you have available that are suitable for steaming and adding flavor.


Enjoy the fruits of your labor with these delicious and wholesome Korean temple treats. The subtle sweetness and satisfying textures of the pumpkin rice cakes and rice balls make them a perfect addition to any meal or a delightful snack. Savor the mindful preparation and mindful eating experience that Korean temple cuisine offers.