10 Korean Rice Cakes – 10. 개떡 (Gae-tteok)

 

10. 개떡 (Gae-tteok) (Rustic Herb Rice Cake)

개떡은 비교적 투박하고 간단한 떡으로, 쑥이나 보리잎 등 자연에서 얻은 재료를 넣어 만든 소박한 시골 떡입니다. 일반적으로 설기보다 물을 많이 넣어 찐 쫀득한 질감이 특징이에요.

‘개떡 같다’는 표현에서 부정적인 뉘앙스로도 쓰이지만, 실제로는 자연의 향기와 정겨운 맛이 담긴 건강한 떡입니다. 쑥을 넣은 개떡은 봄철 간식으로도 유명하며, 따뜻할 때 먹으면 쫄깃하고 구수한 향이 일품입니다.

현재는 보기 어려운 떡 중 하나지만, 한국의 전통적 농촌 정서와 계절 음식을 느낄 수 있는 소중한 문화 유산 중 하나랍니다.

 

Description:
Gae-tteok is a simple, rustic rice cake often made with mugwort (ssuk) or barley leaves, giving it an earthy aroma and green color. Its name and appearance are plain, but it’s filled with nostalgia and natural flavor.

It was once a common homemade snack in rural areas and is valued for its healthy ingredients and seasonal connection, especially in spring. Though less common today, it remains a cherished symbol of Korea’s humble food traditions.

 

Ingredients (2 servings):

• 1½ cups rice flour
• ½ cup mugwort juice (boiled & blended mugwort)
• ½ tsp salt
• Soybean powder for dusting

Steps:

1. Wash and boil mugwort leaves, then blend with water.
2. Mix mugwort juice with rice flour and salt.
3. Stir until it becomes a thick batter.
4. Line a steamer with cloth or paper.
5. Pour batter in and flatten the surface.
6. Steam for 20–25 minutes over medium-high heat.
7. Let cool slightly in the steamer.
8. Cut into thick squares with oiled knife.
9. Coat with soybean powder if desired.
10. Serve warm or at room temperature.