Plain mochi has a very mild flavor but is super enjoyable to eat! The chewy texture makes it fun to nibble on and it can be pretty filling (you never realize how much rice you are eating in a piece).
Most likely, you would have plain mochi like this for New Year's Day or because you feel like eating mochi. To make it more exciting, add anko (red bean paste) inside for a sweeter treat.
Ready in: 40 minutes
Serves: X amount people
Difficulty: Beginner
Ingredients
Mochigome (short grain sweet rice, type of super glutinous rice)
Follow this Chart for how much rice and water to use, 5 cups makes about 20 small pieces
water
cornstarch (or fine flours)
Optional: red bean paste
Make sure you have everything for the machine (bowl for machine, impeller, lid)
Tips
#1: Soak the rice overnight and add about double water to rice, it can absorb a lot
#2: Keeping your hands moist when shaping the mochi helps prevent sticking
#3: (Optional) When you are preparing the anko, it does not matter if it is ball shape but it makes it easier to put inside the mochi and wrapping it
Cooking steps
1. Measure and wash sweet rice.
2. Soak sweet rice in water.
3. Remove water before steaming.
4. Make sure the machine is clean, pour water into machine (match to chart or make sure there are at least 2 cups).
5. Attach bowl, insert impeller.
6. Pour sweet rice into bowl, even out surface and cover with lid
7. Press "Steam" button and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the machine buzzes (it can be pretty loud).
8. Remove lid and fan rice until steam is not noticeable. Press the "Pound" button.
9. Make sure rice is getting mixed around, let the machine run for about 10 minutes, or until smooth.
10. Prepare a cutting board or table by dusting cornstarch or mochiko to create a kinda thick layer
11. Move mochi to prepared surface.
12. Pinch off pieces and shape into circles.
13. Done!