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.
Ingredients
- glutinous rice1 cup
- water2 cup
- sugar0.25 cup
- potato starch or cornstarch, for dusting0.25 cup
- salt0.5 tsp
- sliced fruit1 cup
Method
- 1Soak the rice in cold water for 30 minutes. Drain.
- 2Steam the rice for 30 minutes until soft and sticky.
- 3Mix the chopped fruit with the sugar for the filling. Pat juicy fruit dry first so the filling doesn't leak.
- 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.
- 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.
- 6Place in a bowl, cover with cling film and chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.