Recipe

Kurumi Mochi with a Twist

Savory Walnut Mochi Delight

4.4 out of 5

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Japan with this unique twist on the traditional Kurumi Mochi. This recipe combines the rich nuttiness of walnuts with the chewy texture of mochi, creating a savory treat that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Japanese cuisine.

Dessert› Kurumi mochi

Asian cuisine› East Asian cuisine› Japanese cuisine

Preparation time

30 minutes

Cooking time

10 minutes

Total time

40 minutes

Yields

12 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan (if mirin is replaced with a vegan alternative), Gluten-free (if using gluten-free soy sauce)

Allergens

Walnuts, Soy (if not using a soy-free alternative)

Not suitable for

Nut-free, Dairy-free (if using traditional mochi recipe with butter)

Ingredients

1 cup (200g) glutinous rice flour 1 cup (200g) glutinous rice flour
1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
1 cup (120g) walnuts, finely chopped 1 cup (120g) walnuts, finely chopped
1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine) 1 tablespoon mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Additional cornstarch for dusting Additional cornstarch for dusting

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 5g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1.
In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, cornstarch, sugar, and salt.
2.
Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously until a smooth batter forms.
3.
In a separate bowl, mix the chopped walnuts, soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil until well combined.
4.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and pour in the batter. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes translucent.
5.
Remove the pan from heat and let the mochi cool slightly.
6.
Dust a clean surface with cornstarch and transfer the mochi onto it. Knead the mochi gently until it becomes smooth and pliable.
7.
Divide the mochi into small portions and flatten each portion into a circle.
8.
Place a teaspoon of the walnut filling in the center of each mochi circle and carefully seal the edges, shaping it into a ball.
9.
Repeat the process until all the mochi and filling are used.
10.
Serve the savory walnut mochi immediately or refrigerate for later enjoyment.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Glutinous rice flour — Make sure to use glutinous rice flour specifically, as it provides the desired sticky texture for the mochi.
Walnuts — Finely chop the walnuts to ensure they blend well with the mochi. Toasting the walnuts before chopping can enhance their flavor.

Tips & Tricks

To prevent the mochi from sticking to your hands, lightly dust them with cornstarch while shaping the balls.
Experiment with different fillings such as black sesame or red bean paste for a variety of flavors.
Serve the walnut mochi with a drizzle of soy sauce or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the savory walnut mochi as a delightful appetizer or as part of a Japanese-inspired dessert platter. Arrange the mochi balls on a beautiful plate and garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an elegant touch.

Presentation advice

Arrange the savory walnut mochi on a traditional Japanese serving tray or a bamboo mat for an authentic presentation. Consider adding a small dish of soy sauce for dipping, along with a garnish of fresh mint leaves or edible flowers to enhance the visual appeal.