Dinner: Korean Steamed Pears (Baesuk: 배숙)

http://www.maangchi.com/recipe/baesuk Let's meet a new Korean food called baesuk! : ) Baesuk, as its name indicates, it's cooked pear ("bae" = pear" and "suk" = cooked). There are 2 types of baesuk: steamed whole pear and cooked pair punch, like sujeonggwa. Today I'm showing how to make the steamed pear, sometimes called baejjim ("jjim" = steamed) or baekkuljjim. Since I posted my ginger tea recipe and explained that it's a home remedy for colds, stomachaches, and nausea (it sounds like panacea, yeah?), many people have asked me to post more recipes that are not only delicious but have medicinal qualities and are healthy. Baesuk is great for colds, especially sore throats and coughs. It's also a delicious sweet snack or dessert. Yes, it's very delicious! I love the texture of cooked pear. If you serve baesuk for a loved one who has a severe cold, say this: "I made Korean baesuk for you. Have this whole pear and the juice on the bottom, then your cold will be gone!" If you serve baesuk as a dessert, you can say, "you want some Korean style dessert? Baesuk is waiting for us!" I'm going to show you how to make baesuk with a Korean pear, and also with a small bosc pear, which is easier for some people to find and is the perfect portion for a dessert. Enjoy the recipe and please let me know how yours turns out, and how you serve it to your loved ones. Ingredients: 1-2 servings a 1 pound Korean pear 2 tbs honey 1 ts ginger, grated ½ ts cinnamon powder 1 tbs pine nuts 2 jujubes (optional), pits removed Directions: Rinse the pear in cold water and pat dry. Make a lid by slicing 1 inch off the top. Scoop out the core and the seeds with a small spoon. Fill it up with honey, ginger, cinnamon powder, and jujubes Put the sliced lid back on the pear and put it in a heat-resistant bowl. In the video I'm using a soup bowl. Steam the pear about 1 hour over medium high heat. If you're trying to cure a cold, serve it hot, with a small spoon. Otherwise, you can serve it hot or chill it in the fridge before serving. Bosc pear baesuk: If you make baesuk with a bosc pear, the directions are the same but you only need to steam it for 30 minutes. And because the pear is smaller, the ingredients need to be scaled down: 1 bosc pear 1 tbs honey ½ ts ginger, grated ¼ ts cinnamon powder 2 ts pine nuts 1 jujube (optional), pit removed

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Cinnamon, Honey, Nuts

Health benefits of Korean Steamed Pears (Baesuk: 배숙)

Cinnamon is one of the best ingredients that someone with insulin sensitivity can eat. Half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day has been shown to be very effective at normalizing blood sugar levels. Cinnamon contains hydroxychalcone, which is thought to enhance the effects of insulin. It has also been suggested that Cinnamon prevents post-meal blood sugar spikes by slowing the gastric emptying rate - meaning that food digests slowly. (Reference: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11506060).

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Nuts are a natural source of Inositol, a derivative of Vitamin B (which is often prescribed in the form of supplements for women with PCOS). Inositol can effectively control the symptoms of PCOS by reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity.

Ingredients

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Instructions

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