Japan · Sweet Dishes

Mochi

Mochi is a traditional Japanese dessert with a unique, delicate texture made from glutinous rice, filled with fresh fruit — the taste varies with the filling but the exquisite chewy texture is always recognizable.

30 min✻10 servings✻85 kcal
Mochi

Ingredients

  • glutinous rice1 cup
  • water2 cup
  • sugar0.25 cup
  • potato starch or cornstarch, for dusting0.25 cup
  • salt0.5 tsp
  • sliced fruit1 cup

Method

  1. 1Soak the rice in cold water for 30 minutes. Drain.
  2. 2Steam the rice for 30 minutes until soft and sticky.
  3. 3Mix the chopped fruit with the sugar for the filling. Pat juicy fruit dry first so the filling doesn't leak.
  4. 4Place the cooked rice in a bowl while still hot, add salt, and pound it with the wet end of a rolling pin until most of the grains are crushed. Then knead with wet hands until a smooth, stretchy paste forms.
  5. 5Dust your hands and the work surface with the starch. Divide paste into walnut-sized balls. Place fruit filling in the center of each ball. Close tightly to prevent leaking.
  6. 6Place in a bowl, cover with cling film and chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.