Korean Lunar New Year \”Seollal\” Tteokguk Making

Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, is one of the most significant traditional holidays in South Korea, celebrated with various customs, one of which includes the making and sharing of Tteokguk. Tteokguk, a rice cake soup, is not just a delicious meal but also holds deep cultural significance, symbolizing the gaining of a year in age and the hope for prosperity and good fortune in the year to come.

The Significance of Tteokguk

Tteokguk is made from thinly sliced rice cakes (Tteok) simmered in a clear beef broth, garnished with thinly sliced beef, seaweed, and egg. Consuming a bowl of Tteokguk during Seollal is believed to add a year to one\’s age, embodying the wish for longevity and a prosperous year. It\’s a dish that brings families together, sitting around the table, sharing stories, and celebrating the new year.

Ingredients for Tteokguk

• 200g of Garaetteok (cylinder-shaped rice cake)
• 150g of beef brisket
• 2 eggs
• 2 stalks of green onions
• 2 sheets of Gim (dried seaweed), lightly roasted and shredded
• Soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper for seasoning
• 8 cups of water

Preparing the Broth

• Begin by preparing the broth. Boil the beef brisket in 8 cups of water with a dash of salt. Once the brisket is fully cooked, remove it from the broth, let it cool, and then thinly slice it. The clear broth will serve as the base for your Tteokguk.

Preparing the Tteok

• While the broth is simmering, prepare the rice cakes. If the Garaetteok is too hard, soak it in cold water for about 20 minutes to soften. Then, slice the rice cakes into thin, oval shapes.

Assembling the Tteokguk

• Bring the broth to a boil and add the sliced rice cakes. Cook until the rice cakes become soft and the broth returns to a boil.
• In the meantime, beat the eggs and fry them thinly in a pan with a little bit of oil. Once cooked, slice the egg into thin strips.
• Add the sliced beef, green onions, and egg strips to the broth. Season the soup with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper according to taste.
• Finally, garnish the Tteokguk with shredded Gim before serving.

Serving Tteokguk

Tteokguk is traditionally served in large bowls, with each family member receiving their own portion. It\’s a time of warmth and unity, with the act of sharing Tteokguk reinforcing family bonds and the spirit of the Lunar New Year.

The making of Tteokguk during Seollal is more than just a culinary tradition; it\’s a heartwarming ritual that embodies the essence of Korean culture, bringing families together and symbolizing hopes for a year filled with happiness, health, and prosperity. As you enjoy the savory, comforting bowl of Tteokguk, you\’re not just partaking in a meal but also in a centuries-old tradition that celebrates the continuation of life, family ties, and the promise of a new beginning.