Patbingsu (Shaved ice with sweet red beans and fruit)

Step 1

Pick out any broken or brownish beans and discard them. Put the good beans in a strainer. Rinse them under cold running water, then transfer them to a large, heavy saucepan. Add 4½ cups water and cover. Place over medium-high heat and cook for 10 minutes until the water is boiling. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour 30 minutes, until the beans are tender but not mushy. Remove from the heat and drain. Return the beans to the pot and add the sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir with a wooden spoon for about 4 to 5 minutes over low heat, until the beans are drizzle-able. Allow the beans to cool thoroughly. Transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Step 2

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the rice flour, sugar, salt, and water. Mix the ingredients thoroughly with a spoon until it becomes smooth. Cover the bowl with heat-resistant plastic wrap, making sure to leave a small gap for steam to escape. Microwave the mixture for 1 minute. Carefully take the bowl out of the microwave and uncover it. Hold the bowl steady with a kitchen cloth to protect your hand from the heat, then use a small wooden spoon to vigorously stir the mixture until it becomes elastic. Prepare a cutting board and sprinkle soybean powder on it. Transfer the hot rice cake onto the soybean powder. To prevent sticking, lightly wet your fingertips with cold water. Now, flip the rice cake over with your hands, pressing and shaping it into a square shape. Use a kitchen knife to cut the square into small pieces.

Step 3

Begin by refrigerating a 2- to 3-cup serving bowl until it becomes cold. This will help keep the patbingsu chilled while serving. Once the bowl is cold, place 2 cups of shaved ice in the bowl as the first layer. Gently drizzle the whole milk over the sweet red beans. Add ½ cup of sweet red beans over the shaved ice. Add the mango and strawberry pieces (or fruits of your choice). Take the remaining 1 cup of shaved ice and build it up on top of the fruits, creating a mountain-like appearance. Add a ½ cup of sweet red beans over the shaved ice mountain. Place the rice cakes on the top layer. Drizzle the condensed milk over the entire patbingsu, adding a touch of sweetness and flavor.

Step 4

Serve the patbingsu immediately with a spoon. Mix and eat the different layers together.