Hobak Beombeok (Korean Squash, Sweet Potato, and Bean Porridge)
Hobak Beombeok (Korean Squash, Sweet Potato, and Bean Porridge) is a warm, creamy Korean porridge that combines tender Korean squash, naturally sweet sweet potatoes, and creamy beans into a wholesome and comforting dish, perfect for cold days or whenever you crave nurturing comfort food.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus soaking time for beans if using dry beans overnight)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soups and Stews
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Korean squash (hobak): 2 cups, peeled and diced
- Sweet potatoes: 1 cup, peeled and diced
- Azuki beans or white beans: 1 cup cooked (soaked overnight if dry)
- Rice or glutinous rice powder: 2 tablespoons
- Water or vegetable broth: 4 cups
- Optional salt: a pinch
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and dice the Korean squash and sweet potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. Soak dry beans overnight and cook until tender, or rinse and drain canned beans for quick use.
- Cook the Beans and Squash: Bring water or vegetable broth to a gentle boil in a large pot. Add the cooked beans first to soften further, then stir in the diced squash and sweet potatoes. Simmer together until both are tender and beginning to break down.
- Blend or Mash: Use an immersion blender or mash the ingredients directly in the pot to achieve a creamy, velvety texture without lumps. Leave chunkier if you prefer a rustic feel.
- Thicken the Porridge: Mix rice or glutinous rice powder with a little cold water to make a slurry. Gradually stir it into the simmering porridge and cook for a few minutes until thickened to your liking.
- Season and Serve: Add a pinch of salt to balance flavors and stir well. Serve hot, garnished as preferred with toasted sesame seeds, crushed nuts, or sliced green onions.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe squash for the best sweetness and texture.
- Soaking beans overnight shortens cooking time and improves porridge smoothness.
- Adjust the rice powder amount to control porridge thickness.
- Stir gently during cooking to prevent sticking and burning.
- Serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 150 mg (varies depending on added salt and broth)
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Hobak Beombeok, Korean squash porridge, sweet potato porridge, Korean bean porridge, vegan porridge, gluten-free porridge, comfort food
