Songpyeon with Organic Rice & Sook (Mugwort)
Korean Honey Rice Cakes
(made Gut & Skin Supportive)
For families navigating eczema, food sensitivities/allergies, and delicate digestion — I see you.
Tradition should still feel safe and inclusive. So let’s make this happen.
My version of the popular honey Korean rice cake is:
Sesame-free
Refined sugar–free
Soaked & gently soured for better nutrient absorption & digestion
Made with high-integrity Korean rice & Mugwort
INGREDIENTS
Rice Dough
*3 cups Organic Samgwang Rice(code MUMWITHABUN)
½ tsp sea salt
½–¾ cup boiling filtered water (added gradually)
Mugwort Batch
1½ cups rice flour powder
*1-2 tsp Organic (sook) mugwort powder (code MUMWITHABUN)
White Rice Batch
1½ cups rice flour powder
🥄 Pumpkin Seed Filling (Sesame-Free)
6 tbsp sprouted pumpkin seeds, lightly toasted
2 tsp honey OR 6 tbsp monk fruit powder (if managing blood sugar), to taste
Pinch sea salt
Pulse in a blender into a crumbly paste.
METHOD
Soaking & Souring the Rice
(An especially supportive & key step for those who are eczema-prone or mineral-deficient. Read all about this critical step here.)
Step 1: Rinse
Rinse rice gently in circular motion until water runs clear.
Step 2: Soak & Sour
Place rice in a large glass container. Cover with filtered water.
Add:
2 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
Soak 8–12 hours at room temperature.
(Soak for 6 hours only if high histamine levels are a concern.)
This gentle acidic environment helps:
Improve mineral absorption
through soaking + souring, you improve nutrient absorption. (Source)
Reduce phytic acid
Phytic acid reduces your body’s ability to absorb minerals like iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins. (Source)
Support easier digestion
Step 3: Drain & Dry
Drain thoroughly.
Spread rice grains on clean absorbent towels.
Air-dry until surface moisture is gone
(rice grains should still feel hydrated - we’re not going for bone dry).
Step 4: Grind
Blend in a high-speed blender in batches for an even grind.
Sift for fine texture.
This step should yield about 3 cups rice powder.
Dough Prep
Divide rice powder into two bowls (1½ cups each).
Add mugwort powder to one bowl.
Add ¼ tsp salt to each bowl.
Slowly pour boiling water while kneading (~1/4 cup per bowl).
Knead until you get a Play-Doh-like / wet sticky sand consistency.
Cover and rest 10 minutes.
🥟 Shaping & Steaming
Roll 1 oz dough into a ball.
Press/hollow the center to form small bowl. (If it cracks add a little bit more warm water to the dough)
Add 1 tsp honey pumpkin seed filling.
Seal.
Shape into half-moon.
Steam over boiling water for 20 minutes.
Dip in cold water.
Cool and serve immediately.
My 5 year old and I had fun shaping these (: if we can do it, you can too!
How to Store & Reheat Songpyeon
Storage
Fresh songpyeon is best enjoyed the same day while soft and chewy.
If storing:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Freeze for longer storage (up to 1 month)
To freeze:
Place in a single layer (not touching), freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag or container.
How to Reheat (No Microwave / No Steaming)
If frozen, allow songpyeon to thaw slightly at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
Air Fryer Method (Best for soft interior + light chew):
Preheat air fryer to 300°F
Run songpyeon under a tiny bit of filtered water
Place in air fryer for 3–5 minutes
Check frequently — you want them warm and soft, not dry.
Optional:
Wrap loosely in parchment before air frying to retain moisture.
Tip:
If they feel dry, lightly mist with filtered water and heat for 1 more minute.
Total Time
Soak: 8–12 hours
Active prep: 45–60 minutes
Steam: 20 minutes
Why Sook (쑥) Has Been Used for Generations
Mugwort, known as “쑥 (sook)” in Korean tradition, is one of the most cherished spring herbs.
For centuries, it has been consumed as the seasons shift — especially by women — to help the body gently transition out of winter.
Traditionally, mugwort has been used to:
Support healthy digestion
Promote circulation and warm the body
Ease menstrual discomfort and regulate flow
Help in gentle seasonal detoxification (spring cleanse anybody?)
In modern research and skincare, mugwort is also recognized for its:
Anti-inflammatory properties
Ability to calm irritated skin
Support for conditions like eczema and acne
This is why mugwort appears not only in food, but also in teas, tonics, and topical products (k-beauty mugwort products are a thing) globally.
In recipes like songpyeon, it becomes an ingenious way to combine nourishment, tradition, and function — especially for families focused on gut and skin health.
*Why I Use Organic Samgwang Rice
I am very selective about rice — especially for eczema clients and children with reactive skin / digestive systems.
Organic Samgwang Rice is cultivated in the historic plains of Gyeongju, Korea where mineral-dense soil and clean water build the integrity of the grain. Farmers allow it to mature slowly as God intended instead of forcing unnaturally fast growth. This means organic (pesticide, chemical, and bleach free) goals can be achieved and soil vitality/integrity is preserved.
Why I appreciate it so much for sensitive families like ours:
Natural, organic farming practices = easier digestion, gut health support
Exceptional soil & rice integrity (this one’s a protected variety since 2004)
Verified as “Top-Quality Rice” by Korea’s Rural Development Administration
Its glossy & supple even when cooled - great for tteok (rice cake) making.
For kids, texture is everything. This one’s sticky but not gluey. And soft because the Organic Samgwang rice strikes that balance exceptionally well.
Why This Version Works for Gut Healing Families
Soaked & soured rice = gentler starch digestion, elevates nutrient absorption, and helps with blood sugar management
No sesame / refined sugar (common eczema trigger)
Caffeine-free / seed oil free
Minimal ingredient list
High-integrity sourcing
This is how I’m passing down family culture without compromising our health ♡
