Dduk Gook (Rice Cake Soup) with Ggoo Me (Beef Seasoning)

Yesterday was the start of the New Year according to the lunar calender. In Korea, it is a tradition to start the first day of the new year with a dish we call "dduk gook" ("rice cake soup"). Usually it is served as breakfast, but I made it for dinner yesterday.

1/2 package of pre-cut rice cake
1/2 lb of ground beef
2-3 teaspoon sesame oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup water
salt & pepper
soy sauce
1/2 square tofu, chopped in small cubes (1x1x1 cm)
3 green onions, chopped
1 jalapeño, finely chopped
1 egg, beated
1 sheet of dried seaweed, cut

1. Pour rice cake in a bowl covered in water. Let it sit for 30 minutes.

2. In a large saucepan, heat sesame oil. Add ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally. Add salt, pepper, and garlic. Pour water and let it boil. Reduce heat and add soy sauce for taste. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add square tofu and let it simmer until cooked. Add half of the green onions and jalapeño.
* The ground beef seasoning recipe (called Ggoo me) is unique to the Southern part of Korea (Andong) where my dad is from. Most Koreans don't know about this recipe because most Koreans are from Seoul.

3. Meanwhile, pour the rice cake and water into a pot. Add additional water to submerge the rice cakes. Bring to boil. Remove from stove when rice cakes are sticky but firm. (At this time, if you want to add mandoo/dumplings you may do so.)
4. On a small skillet, cook the egg like you would cook an omelet. Remove onto cutting board once cooked. Chop lengthwise.
5. In a bowl pour rice cake soup. Top with egg, seaweed sheet, and the rest of green onion. Ground beef is used for seasoning the rice cake soup so it may depend on the person. My family serves it in a separate bowl so we can top our soup to make it fit to our own taste.

2 servings

A little blurb:
The past year, the Year of the Rat (my year), was overall a great year. I think the biggest accomplishment was finding a career to bring me fulfillment, people to share my joy and hardship with, and a city where I felt at home. This year, I look forward to learning how to love and enjoy the time with myself. Onward to the Year of the Ox! May the New Year bring you joy and good fortune