Hodu-gwaja
Korean walnut pastry
Hodu-gwaja (호두과자) is a popular Korean pastry that originated in the city of Cheonan, South Korea. It is a type of baked good that is filled with sweetened red bean paste and a whole or half walnut, encased in a soft, cake-like exterior. Hodu-gwaja is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert and is a common gift item.
History[edit | edit source]
Hodu-gwaja was first created in 1934 by a couple in Cheonan, South Korea. The pastry quickly gained popularity due to its unique combination of flavors and textures, and it became a regional specialty. Over the years, hodu-gwaja has become widely available throughout South Korea, especially at rest stops and train stations, where it is sold as a convenient snack for travelers.
Ingredients and Preparation[edit | edit source]
The main ingredients of hodu-gwaja include:
The preparation of hodu-gwaja involves creating a batter from flour, eggs, and sugar, which is then poured into a special mold. A dollop of red bean paste and a walnut are placed in the center of the batter, and more batter is added to cover the filling. The mold is then closed and baked until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
Cultural Significance[edit | edit source]
Hodu-gwaja is not only a beloved snack but also a symbol of Cheonan. It is often associated with the city and is a popular souvenir for visitors. The pastry's combination of red bean paste and walnuts is thought to represent harmony and balance, making it a fitting gift for various occasions.
Variations[edit | edit source]
While the traditional hodu-gwaja is filled with red bean paste and walnuts, there are variations that include different fillings such as chocolate or custard. These modern adaptations cater to diverse tastes and preferences, expanding the appeal of hodu-gwaja beyond its traditional form.
Consumption[edit | edit source]
Hodu-gwaja is typically enjoyed fresh and warm, often accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee. It is a popular choice for a quick snack or a light dessert, and its portability makes it ideal for on-the-go consumption.
Related pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD