[RECIPE] Gohei Mochi

Gohei Mochi is a traditional snack made from mashed rice, skewered and grilled to perfection, then coated with a nutty, sweet, and savory sauce. This local specialty hails from Japan's Chubu region, particularly Nagano, Gifu, and Aichi prefectures. The mochi is flattened and grilled until cooked through, offering a delightful chewy texture and a rich, flavorful sauce with a hint of char. It's a delicious snack, perfect for any time of day. 

Recipe: 

Serving: 6

Time: 30 minutes 

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups Cooked rice (Rice Options)

• ¼ cup Walnut

• 1 tbsp Sesame seeds

• 3 tbsp Miso (red)

• 3 tbsp Mirin

• 2 tbsp Soy sauce

• 2 tbsp Sugar

• 2 tbsp Sake 

Instructions: 

1. Cook the Rice to prepare. 

2. In a mortar or bowl, grind the walnuts and sesame seeds. Then add the miso, sugar, soy sauce, mirin, and sake.

3. Transfer the sauce mixture to a pan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens. Set aside.

4. While the rice is still hot, transfer it to a mortar and mash the grains until it reaches a smooth, sticky consistency.

5. Take a handful of the mashed rice and form it into a ball. Insert a skewer (or wooden chopsticks) into the center, wrap the rice around the skewer. Then flatten it into an oval shape.

6. Heat a frying pan and grill the rice on both sides until golden brown.

7. Brush the sauce generously over the grilled mochi, flip, and repeat on the other side. Remove from the heat once it develops a slight char. 

RECIPE by Azusa