Sakura Mochi
Kanto-Style Sakura Mochi Recipe for Hinamatsuri Celebration
Hinamatsuri, also known as Girls' Day in Japan on March 3rd, is a cherished cultural event dedicated to celebrating the well-being and prosperity of daughters.
Central to this festive occasion are the elaborate multi-tiered doll displays, symbolizing happiness and good fortune for young girls. Alongside these beautiful displays, traditional foods like Sakura mochi are savored, adding a deliciously symbolic touch to the festivities.
Sakura mochi, with its delicate pink hue reminiscent of cherry blossoms, is a beloved treat filled with sweet red bean paste and traditionally wrapped in salted sakura leaves. Today, we bring you a Kanto-style Sakura mochi recipe, perfect for honoring this special occasion, even if sakura leaves are unavailable, by using sakura flower pickles instead.
RECIPE
Servings: 8-10 pieces
Time: 40 min
Ingredients:
1/4 cup shiratama-ko powder (glutinous rice flour)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup water
1 tbsp sugar
1 drop of red or pink food coloring
1 cup red bean paste
Instructions:
Begin by rinsing the salted sakura pickles to remove excess salt. Pat them dry and set aside 8-10 whole sakura flowers for garnish. Finely chop the remaining sakura flowers and mix them into the red bean paste, dividing the paste into 8-10 equal portions.
In a mixing bowl, combine shiratama-ko powder, sugar, and half a cup of water, stirring until well incorporated.
Once the shiratama-ko mixture is smooth, add the all-purpose flour and the remaining half cup of water, stirring until a uniform batter forms.
Introduce a drop of red or pink food coloring to the batter, adjusting the intensity to achieve the desired shade of pink.
Heat a non-stick pan over low heat.
Pour a scoop of the batter onto the pan, shaping it into an oblong shape to form the mochi shell.
Cook the mochi batter until the surface is dry, then carefully flip it using a spatula to cook the other side.
Allow the cooked mochi to cool slightly before assembling. Take a portion of the red bean paste and wrap it with the prepared mochi shell.
Garnish each Sakura mochi with a whole sakura flower or sakura flower pickle on top, serving them as delightful treats for your Hinamatsuri celebration.
What is the history behind the Sakura Mochi?
Sakura mochi, which translates to "cherry blossom rice cake" in English, is believed to have originated during the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan. This period saw the rise of the merchant class and the flourishing of urban culture, including culinary arts.
The cherry blossom, or sakura, holds profound cultural significance in Japan, symbolizing the ephemeral beauty of life and the transient nature of existence. The blossoming of cherry trees in spring is celebrated nationwide during the annual hanami (flower-viewing) festivals, where people gather to admire the beauty of the cherry blossoms.
Inspired by the beauty of cherry blossoms, Sakura mochi emerged as a seasonal delicacy enjoyed during springtime festivities, particularly during Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day) and Hanami celebrations. Its pink hue and floral aroma evoke the enchanting spirit of spring, making it a cherished treat during these special occasions.
Beyond its delectable taste, Sakura mochi carries symbolic significance in Japanese culture. The pink color represents the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms, while the red bean paste filling symbolizes fertility and prosperity. The use of cherry blossom leaves underscores the connection to nature and the changing seasons.
