Japanese Mochi Rice Cake – A Sweet Japanese Treat

Japanese mochi rice cakes are a traditional Japanese snack made from soft and sticky rice that is pounded into a paste and then molded into shape. It is made with short grain rice that is soaked overnight and then cooked before being pounded into a paste.

The paste can be formed into a number of different shapes from simple round balls to intricate shapes for decorative purposes. Although the exact origin of mochi is unknown, most people believe that it originated in China.

In the 10th century, different types of mochi were used as offerings in religious ceremonies.

^{by joyosity - Mochi Rice cupcake}

During Japan's Heian period, from 794 to 1185, mochi was enjoyed as a treat during New Year's celebrations and to this day, it is still made for New Year's celebrations in a traditional ceremony known as mochitsuki. Of course it is also a tasty treat that is enjoyed year round.

Japanese mochi rice cakes often contains sweet fillings and many traditional Japanese sweets are made with mochi but it has a number of other uses as well. Some people enjoy mochi ice cream which is simply small balls of ice cream that are wrapped with a mochi covering. It can also be found in soup - adding some sweetness.

Pre-made mochi can be purchased in stores but you can also make mochi at home.

1. You will need 2 cups of glutinous rice, 2 cups of water, and a little bit of sea salt.
2. Wash the rice and let it soak for at least a couple of hours, but overnight is preferred.
3. Once the rice has been soaked you can cook the rice in a rice cooker or a pressure cooker.
4. Then grind the rice until it becomes fluid and sticky.
5. This will take about 30 minutes if you are grinding it by hand.

Once you are finished grinding, you can form the paste into any shape you like and place the shapes on an oiled plate, allowing them to dry for one or two days. Keep them covered and place them in the refrigerator. Before eating, roast them in a pan for about 5 minutes.

^{by jewell willett - Fancy Mochi with little treat of Strawberry}

From Asian Food Grocer