Discover the joy of making strawberry mochi at home

Have you ever dreamed of experiencing the essence of Japan without leaving your home? Dive into the world of strawberry mochi, a delightful sweet sensation that has captivated taste buds globally. Surprisingly, crafting this exquisite and sticky delicacy with a succulent strawberry heart is simpler than you might imagine.

The allure of mochi has spread far and wide, capturing hearts from Japan to Poland. While frozen ice cream varieties are widely favored, the traditional rendition has garnered a devoted following. Contrary to common perceptions, making mochi at home is a breeze. This treat is sure to bring smiles to youngsters' faces, with adults equally eager to savor the luscious strawberry tucked within the rice dough.

Mochi, traditional Japanese confections, are celebrated for their distinctive texture. A refreshing strawberry encased within the soft, supple, sticky rice dough adds a burst of fruity, surprising, and delightful flavor.

Finding rice flour might seem challenging, but it's available online or at Asian grocery stores. The effort is well worth it, as mochi offers a simple yet sophisticated taste experience, making it ideal for any occasion—be it a quick sweet snack, a unique dessert paired with coffee, or a special offering for guests.

Ingredients:

• 7 oz rice flour (mochiko is preferred),
• Approximately 6.8 fl oz water,
• 3.5 oz sugar,
• 1.1 lbs fresh strawberries,
• 3.5 oz potato starch.

Preparation Steps:

1. Combine rice flour and sugar in a bowl. Gradually add water and mix well until a smooth batter forms.
2. Set up a steamer or a large pot. Place the bowl or a smaller pot with the dough over boiling water and steam for around 20 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally, ensuring the dough becomes transparent and stretchy.
3. Clean the strawberries, trim off the stems, and pat dry. If they're especially large, halve them.
4. Generously dust your work surface with potato starch.
5. Transfer the hot dough to the surface. Sprinkle more starch on top and gently knead until the dough becomes elastic.
6. To avoid sticking, lightly coat your hands with starch. Grab a portion of dough, flatten it, and enwrap a strawberry in the center, gently sealing it into a ball.
7. Roll each mochi in extra starch to prevent them from sticking to each other or your hands, and brush off any excess.

Your strawberry mochi are ready to enjoy immediately, or you can cool them in the fridge before serving. Delight in this sweet treat!