Injeolmi

Injeolmi is a type of traditional Korean tteok (rice cake) made from glutinous rice. It is considered a type of sirutteok, which is steamed rice cake. Injeolmi is popularly consumed during traditional Korean festivals and celebrations, and is also a common dessert or snack in Korea.

Preparation

The preparation of Injeolmi involves soaking glutinous rice overnight and then grinding it into a thick paste. This paste is then steamed to create a soft and chewy texture. Once the rice cake is steamed, it is cut into small pieces and coated with a mixture of soybean powder, sugar, and salt. The soybean powder gives Injeolmi its distinctive taste and prevents the rice cakes from sticking together.

Varieties

There are several varieties of Injeolmi, which are differentiated by the type of powder used for coating. The most common type is coated with soybean powder (konggaru), but other types include those coated with red bean powder (patgaru), black sesame powder (heukimjagaru), and ground peanut powder.

Cultural Significance

Injeolmi is not only a popular snack but also holds cultural significance in Korea. It is often served during traditional Korean festivals such as Chuseok and Seollal, and is also used in jerye (ancestral rites). The simplicity of its ingredients and the ease of its preparation have made it a staple in Korean cuisine.

See Also

• Tteok
• Korean cuisine
• Chuseok
• Seollal