Sakura Rice Cake Recipe - Kerala Food Channel
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Sakura Rice Cake Recipe: How to make Sakura Rice Cake?

ByFood & Recipes Channel

Sakura rice cake, or sakura mochi, is a traditional Japanese sweet that beautifully captures the essence of spring. This delightful treat features a delicate, chewy rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste, all wrapped in a fragrant cherry blossom leaf. The combination of flavors and textures makes sakura rice cake not only a feast for the palate but also a visual delight, perfect for special occasions or a simple afternoon snack. Its subtle sweetness and floral notes evoke the beauty of cherry blossoms, making it a cherished delicacy during hanami (flower viewing) season.

Ingredients

To make sakura rice cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Rice Cake:

  • 1 cup glutinous rice flour (also known as sweet rice flour or mochiko)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup sweet red bean paste (anko)
  • 4-6 salted cherry blossom leaves (sakura no ha), soaked in water for 30 minutes and drained

For Garnish (optional):

  • Edible flowers or additional cherry blossom leaves for presentation

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare your sakura rice cake:

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Blossom Leaves

  1. Soak the Leaves: If using salted cherry blossom leaves, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to remove excess salt. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Rice Cake

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, sugar, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
  2. Add Water: Gradually add water to the dry mixture, stirring continuously until you achieve a smooth batter.
  3. Steam the Mixture: Transfer the batter to a heatproof dish or a steamer basket lined with parchment paper. Steam over boiling water for about 15 minutes, or until the mixture becomes translucent and slightly sticky. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Shape the Rice Cake

  1. Cool the Mixture: Once cooked, remove the dish from the steamer and let it cool for a few minutes until it’s safe to handle but still warm.
  2. Prepare the Filling: While the rice cake is cooling, divide the sweet red bean paste into small balls, about 1 tablespoon each.
  3. Form the Rice Cake: Dust your hands with a little glutinous rice flour to prevent sticking. Take a small portion of the rice cake mixture (about the size of a golf ball) and flatten it in your palm. Place a ball of red bean paste in the center, then fold the rice cake around the filling and pinch to seal. Roll gently to form a smooth ball. Repeat this process until all the mixture and filling are used.

Step 4: Wrap the Cakes

  1. Wrap with Leaves: Take a soaked cherry blossom leaf and place a rice cake in the center. Fold the leaf around the cake, ensuring it is well wrapped. Repeat for all rice cakes.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Presentation: Arrange the sakura rice cakes on a serving plate. You can garnish with edible flowers or extra cherry blossom leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Sakura rice cakes can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of beverages. Here are some serving suggestions:

  • With Green Tea: The subtle flavors of sakura rice cake pair beautifully with a cup of matcha or sencha green tea.
  • As a Dessert: Serve alongside fresh fruits like strawberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
  • For a Picnic: Pack them for a picnic during cherry blossom season, making them a perfect treat to enjoy under the blooming trees.

Nutritional Information

Sakura rice cakes are not only delicious but also offer some nutritional benefits:

  • Glutinous Rice Flour: Provides a source of carbohydrates for energy.
  • Red Bean Paste: Rich in fiber and protein, it helps to keep you feeling full.
  • Cherry Blossom Leaves: Add a unique flavor and are often considered to have health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.

FAQs

  1. What is the difference between glutinous rice flour and regular rice flour?
    • Glutinous rice flour is made from sticky rice, which gives the rice cake its chewy texture, while regular rice flour is made from non-sticky rice and has a different consistency.
  2. Can I use fresh cherry blossoms instead of salted leaves?
    • Yes, you can use fresh cherry blossoms, but ensure they are edible and pesticide-free. Fresh blossoms provide a milder flavor compared to salted leaves.
  3. How long do sakura rice cakes last?
    • Sakura rice cakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. They may lose some texture over time.
  4. Can I freeze sakura rice cakes?
    • Yes, you can freeze sakura rice cakes. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  5. Is sakura rice cake suitable for people with gluten intolerance?
    • No, sakura rice cake contains glutinous rice flour, which is not gluten-free. It is advisable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease to avoid this dish.

Conclusion

Sakura rice cake is a beautiful and delicious treat that embodies the spirit of spring. With its unique flavors and textures, it’s a delightful addition to any dessert table or a special occasion. This recipe is simple enough for beginners yet allows for creativity and presentation that can impress even seasoned cooks. Enjoy making and sharing this traditional Japanese delicacy with family and friends!

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