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During Chuseok, Korea's autumn harvest festival, songpyeon, the famous half-moon-shaped rice cakes, are more than just a joyful delight. Cooked between two plates on pine needles, these thin rice cakes symbolise the traditions of Korean families and traditions that have been passed down for generations.
Traditionally, families have come together to produce Songpyeon as a communal activity in preparation of Chuseok celebrations. According to legend, Songpyeon's shape symbolises the moon's phases, and making it teaches a valuable Korean proverb: "Those who make beautifully shaped Songpyeon will meet a good spouse or give birth to a beautiful baby." Making these rice cakes is a custom that has been carried down through the centuries, maintaining cultural values and culinary skills.
Cultural Significance
In Korean culture, Songpyeon has profound symbolic significance. The cyclical aspect of life and the shifting seasons are symbolised by the half-moon form. In addition to adding a unique aromatic flavour, using pine needles for steaming has symbolic meaning because, in Korean tradition, pine trees stand for virtue and longevity. Songpyeon is traditionally prepared by the women of the home and is a social occasion where family members come together to assist in the setup.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Sesame seeds, sweetened red bean paste, and chestnuts are typical fillings for songpyeon, though they might vary according to regional traditions and individual preferences. Each filling has a meaning, which may not be so diverse, but it demonstrates the abundance of the harvest. The harmony of nature is symbolised by the different natural food colourings that are historically used to colour rice flour: purple from purple sweet potatoes, pink from red beans, yellow from pumpkin, and green from mugwort. Songpyeon making is the task of the whole family, and getting together to celebrate it means unity and respecting traditions. Even the Songpyeon's fold count has significance; in Korean culture, even numbers are viewed as incomplete, hence an odd number is typically preferred.
Key Ingredients
Short-grain rice flour is combined with hot water to make a soft dough, which serves as the foundation for Songpyeon. To produce colours and tastes, different natural components are added: beetroot or red beans for pink variants, mugwort for green, white stays natural, and kabocha pumpkin for yellow. Though there are regional variances, the filling is typically sweet options like honey, sesame seeds, red beans, chestnuts, or mung beans. Every component is chosen with care for its flavour and symbolic significance. When feasible, red pine trees should be the source of the clean, fresh pine needles used for steaming. For the rice cakes to be finished, sesame oil is necessary since it adds shine and keeps them from sticking.
Preparation Process
Songpyeon creation calls for patience and talent. The dough made with rice flour needs to be just the perfect consistency; if it is too soft, the cakes will not shape properly, and if it is too firm, it will crack when shaped. The dough is separated into small sections after being kneaded until it is smooth. To make the distinctive half-moon form, each section is flattened into a circle, filled with the sweet mixture, and then carefully sealed by folding and pinching the edges. Practice is necessary for the pleating technique; traditionally, the folds should be delicate and even. In the steamer, the pine needles are carefully cleaned and placed. To avoid sticking during steaming, the Songpyeon are stacked with room between each piece. They are steam-cooked until they are transparent, around 20 minutes.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Regional Variations
Although the basic concept is the same, Songpyeon variants vary by area in Korea. Songpyeon, which is cooked using potatoes, is popular in Gangwon Province, while buckwheat flour is used in some varieties on Jeju Island. Certain areas incorporate local specialities, including dried fruits or nuts, into the fillings. Matcha, coffee, and even chocolate are among the new hues and flavours brought about by modern adaptations. But during Chuseok, traditional recipes continue to be the most popular. Although many Korean families still prefer the traditional homemade version for its cultural significance, some modern Korean families now utilise pre-made rice flour or even buy pre-made Songpyeon.
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Serving And Enjoying
During Chuseok celebrations, songpyeon is usually served at room temperature. To give them a delicate shine and keep them from sticking together, they are coated with sesame oil while still hot after steaming. They are typically put on a plate in a circle to represent wholeness and togetherness. They are, however, best when eaten fresh, but they can keep for up to 3 days in a fridge or for a day at room temperature. Uncooked Songpyeon can be frozen and steamed as needed by some families. They are frequently given as gifts to neighbours and family members during Chuseok, either in modern gift boxes or traditional bojagi (Korean wrapping cloth).
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Songpyeon preparation is a celebration of appreciation, family, and tradition rather than merely a culinary activity. Savour your homemade songpyeon and spread the word about how wonderful it is!
