Injeolmi (인절미 rice cake

Injeolmi (인절미) is a traditional Korean rice cake made from glutinous rice that has been pounded into a smooth and slightly sticky texture. It is a popular snack and dessert in Korea and is often enjoyed during special occasions such as holidays and celebrations.

Here's a recipe for making Injeolmi (인절미) rice cakes, a traditional Korean dessert:

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups glutinous rice (sweet rice or sticky rice)
2. Water for soaking and steaming
3. 1/2 teaspoon salt
4. 1/2 cup roasted soybean powder (konggaru or kongkaeru), for coating
5. 2 tablespoons sugar (optional), for coating
6. Roasted sesame seeds (optional), for coating

Instructions:

1. Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water several times to remove excess starch.
2. Place the rice in a bowl and cover it with water. Let it soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Drain the soaked rice and transfer it to a steamer. Steam the rice over high heat for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is soft and cooked through.
4. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large mixing bowl and add the salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the salt.
5. Using a wooden mortar and pestle (jeolgu) or a food processor, pound or process the cooked rice until it becomes a smooth and elastic dough. If the dough is too dry, you can add a little water (1-2 tablespoons) to moisten it.
6. Transfer the rice dough to a flat surface lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Flatten it into a rectangular shape with a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
7. Cut the rice dough into small bite-sized pieces, such as cubes or rectangles.
8. In a separate bowl, mix the roasted soybean powder and sugar (if using) for coating.
9. Roll each rice cake piece in the soybean powder mixture until it is fully coated. You can also roll some of the rice cakes in roasted sesame seeds for additional flavor and texture.
10. Serve the Injeolmi as a delicious and chewy Korean dessert or snack. Enjoy!

Note: Injeolmi can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them, but they may lose some of their softness and texture upon thawing. To serve after freezing, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a short while before consuming.