10 Korean Rice Cakes – 4. 찹쌀떡 (Chapssal-tteok)

 

4. 찹쌀떡 (Chapssal-tteok) (Glutinous Rice Cake)

찹쌀떡은 찹쌀가루로 만든 쫄깃한 떡 안에 팥소나 다양한 속을 넣은 한국의 대표적인 떡입니다. 겉은 하얗거나 가루를 묻혀 있으며, 속은 달콤한 팥앙금, 녹차앙금, 딸기크림, 심지어 아이스크림까지 다양하게 넣기도 해요.

일본의 ‘모찌’와 비슷한 점이 많지만, 찹쌀떡은 좀 더 부드럽고 덜 찐득한 경우가 많습니다. 쫄깃한 식감과 부드러운 속재료의 조화가 매력적이며, 특히 겨울철에는 갓 만든 따뜻한 찹쌀떡을 먹는 재미가 있습니다.

요즘은 크림, 과일, 치즈 등을 넣은 퓨전 찹쌀떡도 인기를 끌고 있으며, 명절 선물세트나 제례용 떡상에도 자주 사용됩니다.

 

Description:
Chapssal-tteok is a chewy glutinous rice cake often filled with sweet red bean paste or other fillings. It resembles Japanese mochi but is usually a bit softer and less sticky.

With its pleasantly chewy texture and sweet filling, chapssal-tteok is a favorite snack and is also used in gift sets and ceremonial foods. These days, variations with cream, fruit, or ice cream fillings are also popular.

 

Ingredients (2 servings):

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• ½ cup water
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ½ cup sweet red bean paste
• Cornstarch or rice flour (for dusting)

Steps:

1. Mix glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water in a bowl until smooth.
2. Pour the batter into a heat-safe bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
3. Microwave for 2 minutes, stir, then another 1½ minutes.
4. The dough should be sticky and stretchy.
5. Dust your hands with starch and divide dough into 4 pieces.
6. Flatten each piece into a disc.
7. Place 1 tbsp of red bean paste in the center.
8. Wrap and seal to form a ball.
9. Roll in starch to prevent sticking.
10. Serve warm or room temperature.