John Myers
Introduction: Discovering North Korean Desserts
North Korea is a country with a rich culinary tradition, and its desserts are no exception. Despite the country’s reputation for being isolated from the rest of the world, North Korean desserts have been influenced by its neighboring countries, such as China and Japan. These desserts are often made from simple ingredients, yet they are delicious and satisfying. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most popular traditional North Korean desserts.
Sweet Treats of North Korea: Popular Desserts
One of the most popular North Korean desserts is called “Yakgwa.” It is a deep-fried pastry made from wheat flour, honey, and sesame oil. The dough is cut into shapes, such as flowers or leaves, and then deep-fried until crispy. Yakgwa has a sweet and crunchy texture, and it is often served during special occasions such as weddings or holidays.
Another popular dessert in North Korea is “Daetongbap,” a sweet rice cake. It is made from glutinous rice, red beans, and sugar. The rice is steamed and then mixed with red beans and sugar. The mixture is then shaped into small cakes and served as a snack or dessert. Daetongbap is often eaten during the Lunar New Year celebrations.
“Chapsal Gangjeong” is another traditional dessert in North Korea. It is a type of rice cake made from glutinous rice flour. The dough is shaped into small balls, deep-fried, and then coated with honey or sugar. Chapsal Gangjeong has a crunchy texture, and it is often eaten as a snack.
Recipes and Ingredients of Traditional North Korean Desserts
To make Yakgwa, you will need wheat flour, honey, sesame oil, and water. First, mix the flour, honey, sesame oil, and water together to make a dough. Knead the dough until it is smooth and then shape it into small pieces. Heat up some oil in a pan and then deep-fry the dough until golden brown. Drain excess oil and serve.
To make Daetongbap, you will need glutinous rice, red beans, and sugar. Rinse the rice and beans and then soak them separately for a few hours. Steam the rice and then mix it with the red beans and sugar. Shape the mixture into small cakes and serve.
Finally, to make Chapsal Gangjeong, you will need glutinous rice flour, water, honey, and sugar. Mix the flour and water together to make a dough. Shape the dough into small balls and then deep-fry them until golden brown. Coat the balls with honey or sugar while they are still hot. Allow them to cool and serve.
In conclusion, North Korean desserts may not be as well-known as its neighboring countries, but they are worth exploring. These traditional desserts are simple yet delicious, and they are often served during special occasions. With a few ingredients and some time in the kitchen, you can enjoy these sweet treats in the comfort of your own home.
