죽 (Juk): Korean Porridge Tradition

Juk — Korean rice porridge — represents one of the oldest preparations in Korean cooking, predating the rice-as-distinct-grains tradition and representing the most basic expression of rice cookery. In Korean culture, juk is simultaneously the food of convalescence (its easily digestible character makes it the first food for the sick and the elderly), celebration (abalone juk is a luxury preparation), and the everyday (simple white rice juk as a quick meal).

The juk tradition — its range and its techniques.

• Chinese congee (jook — same long-cooked rice porridge — different flavour additions), Japanese okayu (same thin rice porridge — lighter, less cooking time), Thai khao tom (same rice porridge with addi