Pot Rice with Twelve Medicinal Herbs and Cheonggukjang with Whole Soybeans: The Taste of a Head Family Passed Down Through Generations

A full table setting from a head family, filled with hand-made flavors and sincerity passed down through generations, stimulates the taste buds. In this broadcast presented by TV CHOSUN JOY, the main stars are pot rice cooked with water boiled with twelve medicinal herbs and Cheonggukjang where the soybean grains remain intact.

4 Hours in a Cauldron, Cheonggukjang Fermented with Sincerity

The Cheonggukjang, which holds the center of the table, is characterized by its sturdy soybean grains. This Cheonggukjang is completed by the fingertips of a daughter-in-law who perfectly implements the skills she learned from her mother-in-law. Soybeans soaked overnight for 12 hours are placed in a cauldron and undergo a process of being boiled for 4 hours while being stirred continuously. Because it can easily burn if the fire control is even slightly off, it is a grueling task that requires one to never leave the front of the fire for even a moment.

The completed Cheonggukjang offers a texture where the shape of the beans is fully preserved, yet they crumble softly in the mouth. Rather than having an excessively strong scent, it is characterized by maintaining a moderate flavor so that guests can enjoy it without hesitation. The rustic form, with each soybean living, is read as the result containing the hard work of the maker.

Pot Rice Imbued with the Scent of Twelve Medicinal Herbs

The pot rice served alongside the Cheonggukjang is also special. This rice, made by mixing glutinous rice and non-glutinous rice, is cooked using water boiled with twelve medicinal herbs. In the rice, a subtle herbal scent is felt along with the flavor of licorice, harmonizing with the sweetness that seeps out from the rice itself. The color of the rice takes on a hue as if it were mixed with soy sauce, and the fragrant flavor stands out enough to give the feeling of eating yakbap (sweet medicinal rice).

The pot rice with strong medicinal herb personalities and the Cheonggukjang with moderate scent harmonize without spoiling each other's taste. The composition of mixing a large spoonful of Cheonggukjang into the pot rice maximizes the flavor of each ingredient and increases the completeness of a healthy meal.

Daily Life Leading to Diet Management and Exercise

Facing the bountiful table setting, the cast members shared their respective eating habits and management methods during the meal. The cast members, who usually pay attention to diet management, stated that they try to regulate themselves by consuming sufficient vegetables even when eating rice. After meals, stories of their daily lives continued, mentioning that they combine various exercises such as gym, swimming, Pilates, and tennis, and recently, they are increasing their concentration and receiving help with dieting through ballet.

Source: TVCHOSUN JOY (YouTube)