Kashiwa Mochi with Red Bean

Kashiwa Mochi with Red Bean is a traditional Japanese dessert featuring sweet rice dumplings filled with red bean paste, wrapped in fragrant oak leaves. This delightful treat is perfect for enjoying during the spring season and offers a unique blend of flavors and textures that are both satisfying and nostalgic.

Ingredients

• Sweet rice flour (mochi flour) - 100 grams
• Water - 120 ml
• Red bean paste (anko) - 80 grams
• Sugar - 30 grams
• Salt - a pinch
• Oak leaves (or banana leaves as a substitute) - 4 leaves

Steps

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet rice flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
2. Gradually add the water to the flour mixture, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
3. Transfer the mixture to a heatproof dish and steam over boiling water for about 15 minutes until the dough is cooked through and translucent.
4. While the dough is steaming, prepare the red bean paste by dividing it into 4 equal portions (about 20 grams each) and rolling them into balls.
5. Once the mochi dough is ready, remove it from the steamer and let it cool slightly until it can be handled.
6. Dust your hands with cornstarch to prevent sticking, then divide the mochi dough into 4 equal pieces.
7. Flatten each piece of dough into a disc, place a ball of red bean paste in the center, and carefully fold the edges over to seal it, forming a ball.
8. Wrap each mochi ball in an oak leaf, shiny side out, and secure them with a string or toothpick if necessary.
9. Let the wrapped mochi sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavor of the leaves before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 3 g
• Carbs: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 1 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Water: 0.12 L

Health Benefits

• Provides a source of energy from carbohydrates.
• Contains antioxidants from red beans, which may support heart health.

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