Bringing Japan to your kitchen: The simple art of making strawberry mochi

Do you dream of moving to the Land of the Rising Sun without leaving home? Reach for mochi with strawberries, a sweet treat that has taken the world by storm. You can prepare the delicate, sticky dough with a juicy strawberry inside easier than you think.

The world has gone crazy for mochi, including Poland. The most prevalent version is ice cream, but the traditional version has also found its fans. Making mochi is not as difficult as it might seem. Such a dessert will delight the faces of the younger generation, and adults will gladly indulge in a sweet strawberry enclosed in rice dough.

Mochi are traditional Japanese sweets that delight with their unique texture. The soft, slightly stretchy, sticky rice dough hides a sweet surprise - juicy strawberry, which gives it a refreshing, fruity taste.

The only challenge may seem to be obtaining rice flour. You can easily buy it online or in Asian food stores. It's definitely worth it because mochi is a dessert that impresses with its taste hidden in its simplicity. It is perfect for any occasion—as a sweet snack, a dessert to coffee, or an original treat for guests.

Ingredients:

• 200g rice flour (preferably mochiko),
• about 200ml water,
• 100g sugar,
• 500g fresh strawberries,
• 100g potato starch.

How to prepare:

1. In a bowl, mix the rice flour with sugar. Add water and mix thoroughly until a smooth consistency is achieved.
2. Prepare a steamer or a larger pot. Place the bowl or smaller pot with the dough over the boiling water and steam for about 20 minutes. Stir the dough occasionally and check if it has become transparent and elastic.
3. Wash the strawberries, remove the stems and dry them. If they are too big, you can cut them in half.
4. Generously sprinkle potato starch on the work surface.
5. Lay the hot dough on the surface, sprinkle with starch, and gently knead until it becomes more elastic.
6. Dust your hands with starch to prevent the dough from sticking. Take a piece of dough, flatten it in your hand, and place a strawberry in the centre. Seal the dough around the filling, forming a ball.
7. Coat each pastry in additional starch so they do not stick to each other or your hands. Shake off the excess starch with a brush.

The finished mochi with strawberries can be served immediately or chilled in the fridge for a short time. Enjoy!