Monmouthshire Yōkan Delight

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Japanese Yōkan is transformed into a Monmouthshire-inspired delight. The original recipe is enhanced with the addition of local Welsh honey, raspberries, and toasted hazelnuts, which infuse the dish with the flavors and ingredients characteristic of Monmouthshire cuisine. This fusion creates a harmonious blend of cultures, resulting in a unique and delicious dessert experience. We alse have the original recipe for Yōkan, so you can check it out.

• 400g (14 oz) adzuki beans 400g (14 oz) adzuki beans
• 200g (7 oz) sugar 200g (7 oz) sugar
• 1 tsp agar agar powder 1 tsp agar agar powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp local Welsh honey 2 tbsp local Welsh honey
• 150g (5.3 oz) fresh raspberries 150g (5.3 oz) fresh raspberries
• 50g (1.8 oz) toasted hazelnuts 50g (1.8 oz) toasted hazelnuts

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0.2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 25g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.01g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the adzuki beans and soak them in water overnight. Drain the beans and cook them in fresh water until tender.
2. 2.
   Blend the cooked adzuki beans until smooth.
3. 3.
   In a saucepan, combine the adzuki bean paste, sugar, agar agar powder, vanilla extract, and Welsh honey. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
4. 4.
   Remove the mixture from heat and pour it into a rectangular mold lined with parchment paper.
5. 5.
   Allow the mixture to cool and set in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
6. 6.
   Once set, cut the Yōkan into bite-sized pieces and garnish each piece with a fresh raspberry and a sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Adzuki beans — Make sure to soak the beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.
• Agar agar powder — Follow the instructions on the packaging for the correct usage and measurements.
• Welsh honey — Use locally sourced Welsh honey for an authentic Monmouthshire flavor.
• Raspberries — Select ripe and juicy raspberries for the best flavor and texture.
• Toasted hazelnuts — Toast the hazelnuts in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant and golden brown. Allow them to cool before using.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, try substituting the raspberries with locally sourced Monmouthshire strawberries or blackberries.
• Experiment with different types of nuts, such as toasted almonds or walnuts, for added variety.
• Drizzle a small amount of melted dark chocolate over the Yōkan pieces for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Serve the Yōkan delight chilled for a refreshing dessert experience.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Monmouthshire Yōkan Delight as a delightful dessert after a meal. Arrange the bite-sized Yōkan pieces on a platter and garnish each piece with a fresh raspberry and a sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts. Accompany it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a perfect ending to a meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the Yōkan pieces in a decorative pattern on a dessert plate. Drizzle a small amount of raspberry coulis or honey around the plate for an artistic touch. Garnish with a mint leaf or edible flower for an elegant and visually appealing dessert.