Shaved ice snack!
Patbingsu, a Korean shaved ice snack, has been a beloved treat in Korea for many years.
It is typically made with three layers of components.
At the bottom, there is lightly boiled and softened sweet red bean paste.
In the middle, finely shaved ice creates a refreshing layer, and on top, various toppings such as fruits, syrup, or misu-garu (a finely ground light brown color powder made from a mix of grains, which can be enjoyed with water or milk) are added.
This delightful frozen snack is eaten by mixing all the layers together.
Many countries have similar desserts or snacks, but Korean patbingsu stands out for its unique combination of ingredients, offering a distinctive taste.
Korean patbingsu can definitely be called a healthy snack. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into it.
At its core, it starts with finely shaved ice. Sweetened red beans form the base, accompanied by milk and a touch of honey. On top of that, fresh fruits are added, and most importantly, misu-garu is sprinkled.
Misu-garu is a powder made by grinding a mix of various grains. What is it made of?
It typically includes black rice, brown rice, beans, Job’s tears, oats, millet, and barley. These ingredients are dried, roasted, and then finely ground into a powder.
When mixed with water or milk, misu-garu becomes a nutty and delicious drink. If less water is used, it can even serve as a light meal replacement.
Adding this misu-garu to Korean patbingsu enhances its flavor, giving it a much deeper, richer, and nuttier taste. This is what makes it not only refreshing but also nourishing.
Korean Patbingsu has the potential to become another globally loved K-food that captivates taste buds around the world.