How to prepare mochis?

The Secrets of Mochi Making

Mochis are delightful Japanese pastries made from sticky rice, greatly admired for their unique texture and delicate taste. These little sweet treats are often stuffed with various fillings based on red beans, cream or chocolate. Learning the traditional recipe for mochis may seem complicated, but with a few tricks and the right ingredients, you can prepare these delicacies at home and surprise your guests. In this article, discover how to make homemade mochis by following a few simple steps and respecting Japanese culinary traditions.

Basic ingredients for making mochis

In order to make delicious mochis, it is essential to choose the right base ingredients. Here are the essential elements to succeed in your traditional Japanese mochi recipe.

Sticky rice flour

Sticky rice is the base of the mochi dough. It is important to use a specific sticky rice flour called "shiratamako" in Japanese. This flour is obtained from steam-cooked sticky rice, dried then reduced to powder. It is characterized by a fine and slightly sticky texture. In the absence of shiratamako, you can also opt for sticky rice starch (joshinko) or commercial sticky rice flour.

Water

Water is a key element in the preparation of mochis, as it allows for a homogeneous and elastic dough. Be sure to use cold water to make your mochi dough and to measure the amount of water well to get a dough that is neither too dry nor too sticky.

Sugar powder

The sugar powder is an important ingredient to sweeten the mochi dough and give it a nice shiny color. You can use powdered sugar or granulated sugar, depending on your preferences. The amount of sugar to use will depend on the chosen filling and your personal taste.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is used to dust the work surface and hands during the making of mochis. It prevents the dough from sticking too much and allows for easier handling of small mochi balls.

Filling for mochis

Mochis can be filled with different sweet preparations, which add an extra touch of indulgence to these Japanese pastries. Here are a few ideas for filling your homemade mochis.

Red bean paste (anko)

Anko is a sweet red bean paste, widely used in Japanese cuisine to fill mochis. There are two types of anko: koshian, a smooth paste obtained by sieving cooked beans, and tsubuan, a more rustic paste where the beans are simply smashed with a fork. To make your own homemade anko, cook azuki red beans with sugar, then blend or crush the preparation according to your preference.

Pasty cream

Pasty cream is a gourmet and creamy filling, which pairs wonderfully with the elastic texture of mochis. To prepare homemade pasty cream, mix milk, sugar, flour and egg yolks, then heat the preparation until it thickens.

Chocolate

Chocolate is a highly appreciated filling for mochis, adding an extra touch of indulgence to these Japanese pastries. You can use dark, milk or white chocolate depending on your preferences. To make chocolate mochis, melt the chocolate of your choice and incorporate it into the mochi dough during preparation.

Preparing mochi dough

Once the basic ingredients and chosen filling are ready, you can start preparing the mochi dough. Follow these steps to obtain an elastic and homogeneous dough, ready to be filled.

In a bowl, mix the sticky rice flour, sugar powder and cold water until you get a smooth and homogeneous dough. If the dough is too dry, add a little water. If it is too sticky, incorporate a little flour.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and cook the dough in the microwave for about 2 minutes at maximum power. The dough should be cooked and elastic.
Using a silicone spatula, mix the cooked dough to make it more homogeneous and elastic. Let it cool slightly.

Shaping the mochis

Once the mochi dough is prepared and cooled, you can start shaping the Japanese pastries. Here is how to proceed to obtain nice round and stuffed mochis.

Dust a clean work surface and your hands generously with cornstarch to prevent the dough from sticking.
Take a portion of mochi dough and spread it out on the work surface into a thin layer. Place a small amount of filling in the center of the dough.
Fold the dough onto itself to enclose the filling, forming a round ball. Be sure to properly seal the edges so the filling does not escape when eating.
Gently roll the mochi in the cornstarch to prevent it from sticking. Repeat the operation with the rest of the dough and filling.
Store the mochis in the refrigerator until serving. They keep for about 2 days in the refrigerator.

By following these steps and choosing quality ingredients, you will be able to make delicious homemade Japanese mochis, to be enjoyed as a dessert or for a snack. These pastries, both elastic and melting, will delight lovers of Japanese cuisine and sweet treats.

Varieties and flavors of mochis

There are several varieties of mochis, each bringing a different flavor and texture to these delicious Japanese pastries. In addition to traditional fillings based on red beans or cream, you can also try other flavors and ingredients to personalize your homemade mochis.

Ice Cream Mochis

Ice cream mochis are a refreshing and gourmet version of traditional mochis. Instead of being filled with red bean paste or cream, ice cream mochis are filled with ice cream. To make ice cream mochis, shape the mochi dough around a small ball of ice cream of your choice, and place the mochis in the freezer until they are firm. You can use varied ice cream flavors, such as vanilla, matcha, strawberry or chocolate, for colorful and tasty ice cream mochis.

Fruit Mochis

Fruit mochis are a light and fruity alternative to traditional mochis. To make fruit mochis, incorporate pieces of fresh or dried fruit, such as strawberries, raspberries, mangoes or raisins, into the red bean paste or pasty cream. You can also add citrus zests, such as lemon, orange or yuzu, for a tart and refreshing flavor.

Savory Mochis

While mochis are generally sweet, there are also savory mochis, called "savory mochis". These mochis are usually filled with salted red bean paste, cheeses, vegetables or meats, and can be served as an appetizer or starter. To make savory mochis, reduce the amount of sugar in the mochi dough and add spices, herbs or sesame seeds for a more intense flavor.

Tips and Advice for Successful Mochis

Making mochis may seem complicated, but with a few tips and advice, you can prepare these delicious Japanese pastries at home without any difficulties.

Use a microwave oven

Cooking the mochi dough in the microwave is a quick and efficient method to get an elastic and homogeneous dough. Make sure to cover the bowl with plastic wrap before cooking the dough in the microwave, and adjust the cooking time according to the power of your device.

Properly measure the ingredients

The dosing of the ingredients is crucial to obtain a successful mochi dough. Don't hesitate to adjust the quantities of sticky rice flour, water and sugar according to the consistency of the dough and your personal taste.

Work quickly

When shaping the mochis, it is important to work quickly to prevent the dough from drying out and becoming difficult to handle. Keep a bowl of cold water nearby to moisten your hands and make the dough easier to work with.

Store the mochis

Mochis are stored in the refrigerator for about 2 days, individually wrapped in plastic wrap. For optimal tasting, take the mochis out of the refrigerator a few minutes before serving them, so they regain their elastic and melting texture.

Conclusion

Making homemade mochis is a real pleasure and an opportunity to discover the varied flavors and textures of these Japanese pastries based on sticky rice. By choosing the right ingredients, following the preparation steps and exploring different fillings and flavors, you can make delicious traditional or reimaged mochis to delight your guests and enjoy these sweet treats at any time of the day.

FAQ

What type of flour to use?

You should use sticky rice flour, which is starchier than regular flour and will make the mochi dough more elastic and soft.

Are there any additional ingredients necessary?

You will need a bit of sugar, a pinch of salt and water to form the dough. You can also add dried fruits or herbs to the dough if you wish.

How to prepare mochi dough?

Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl, then add water gradually until you obtain a homogeneous ball. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.

How to shape the mochis?

Divide the dough into small balls of the same size. Use a rolling pin to form discs with a thickness of 2 mm. Then, drop a teaspoon of filling in the center of each disc and fold them onto themselves to form small balls.

How to cook the mochis?

Mochis can be cooked in different ways: you can fry them in a hot pan with a bit of oil, or bake them in the oven at 180°C (360°F) for 15 minutes. You can also steam them or microwave them.