10 Korean Rice Cakes – 3. 송편 (Songpyeon)

 

송편은 한국의 대표 명절인 **추석(한가위)**에 먹는 전통 떡입니다. 반달 모양의 작은 떡으로, 속에 깨, 콩, 팥, 밤, 꿀 등 다양한 소를 넣어 만듭니다.

특히 솔잎(소나무 잎) 위에 쪄서 떡에 은은한 향기와 살균 효과가 더해지며, ‘송편’이라는 이름도 여기서 유래합니다. 모양이 반달인 이유는 달이 점점 차오르듯, 집안의 복도 가득 차기를 바라는 마음을 담고 있어요.

식감은 쫄깃하고, 속재료의 맛에 따라 고소하거나 달콤한 풍미를 느낄 수 있습니다. 지역마다 송편의 크기와 모양, 속재료는 다양하며, 가족이 함께 둘러앉아 송편을 빚는 모습은 한국 추석의 상징적인 풍경 중 하나입니다.

 

Description:
Songpyeon is a half-moon-shaped rice cake traditionally eaten during Chuseok (Korean harvest festival). The dough is made of rice flour and filled with ingredients such as sweet sesame seeds, red beans, chestnuts, or mung beans.

They are steamed on pine needles, which add a subtle fragrance and help preserve the rice cakes. The crescent shape symbolizes growing prosperity, and making songpyeon with family is a cherished Chuseok tradition in Korea.

 

Ingredients (2 servings):

• 1½ cups rice flour
• ¼ cup hot water
• 3 tbsp sesame seeds + honey (filling)
• Pine needles (optional but aromatic)

Steps:

1. Mix rice flour with hot water slowly to form smooth dough.
2. Knead for about 5 minutes until soft and pliable.
3. Mix sesame seeds with honey to make the filling.
4. Pinch off a piece of dough and flatten it in your palm.
5. Place ½ tsp filling in the center and fold into a half-moon shape.
6. Seal edges carefully and smooth the surface.
7. Rinse pine needles and place them on the steamer.
8. Arrange the songpyeon over the needles without overlapping.
9. Steam for 20 minutes over medium-high heat.
10. Brush lightly with sesame oil before serving to prevent sticking.