Here’s a complete recipe for Japanese Daifuku, a delightful rice cake stuffed with sweet beans. Daifuku is a popular Japanese confectionery often enjoyed as a snack or dessert. This recipe will make approximately 12 daifuku.
**Ingredients:**
For the Sweet Bean Filling:
– 1 cup sweet red beans (adzuki beans)
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Mochi Dough:
– 1 1/2 cups glutinous rice flour (shiratamako or mochiko)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 1/4 cups water
– Potato starch or cornstarch for dusting
**Instructions:**
**Making the Sweet Bean Filling:**
1. Rinse the adzuki beans under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. In a large pot, add the adzuki beans and enough water to cover them by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender. Check occasionally and add more water if necessary to keep the beans covered.
4. Drain the cooked beans and return them to the pot.
5. Add sugar, salt, and water to the pot with the beans. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a paste-like consistency. This can take about 20-30 minutes.
6. Remove the sweet bean paste from the heat and stir in the vegetable oil. Let it cool completely.
**Making the Mochi Dough:**
1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and sugar. Mix well.
2. Gradually add water to the flour mixture, stirring to form a smooth, thick batter.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and microwave it on high for 1 minute. Stir well.
4. Microwave for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the dough is thick and sticky.
5. Dust a clean surface or a wooden board with potato starch or cornstarch.
6. Carefully turn out the mochi dough onto the starched surface. Be cautious as the dough will be hot.
7. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to fold and knead the mochi, incorporating more starch until it’s no longer sticky and has a smooth texture. It should be pliable but not too dry.
**Assembling the Daifuku:**
1. Divide the mochi dough into 12 equal portions.
2. Flatten each mochi portion into a small circle in the palm of your hand.
3. Place a small amount of sweet bean paste (about 1 tablespoon) in the center of each mochi circle.
4. Gently gather the edges of the mochi circle and pinch them together to seal, forming a ball.
5. Roll the daifuku between your hands to shape it into a smooth, round ball.
6. Repeat the process for the remaining dough and sweet bean paste.
7. Dust the finished daifuku with additional potato starch or cornstarch to prevent sticking.
Your Japanese Daifuku is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. Enjoy this delightful sweet treat with a cup of green tea.
