Wagashi

Wagashi is a traditional Japanese sweet often served with tea. It is made from sweetened red bean paste and mochiko (rice flour).

Ingredients - Serves 8

In a bowl, mix mochiko and sugar together.
Gradually add water to the mochiko mixture and stir until smooth.
Pour the mixture into a heatproof dish and smooth the surface with a spatula.
Steam the mixture over high heat for 20 minutes, or until it becomes translucent.
Remove the dish from the steamer and let it cool.
Once cooled, dust a clean surface with cornstarch and turn out the mochi onto the surface.
Cut the mochi into 8 pieces.
Flatten each piece and place a spoonful of red bean paste in the center.
Fold the mochi over the red bean paste and pinch the edges to seal.
Serve with hot green tea.