Simple mochi

Ingredients:

Glutinous rice flour: 1 cup

Sugar: 1/4 cup (adjust to taste)

Water: 3/4 cup

Cornstarch or potato starch: For dusting

Optional Fillings:

Sweetened red bean paste

Nut butter

Chocolate

Instructions:

Mix the dough:

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water.

Stir until smooth and lump-free. The mixture will be thin.

Cook the mochi:

Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe plate.

Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. (If your microwave isn’t very strong, try in 30-second intervals.)

The mochi will turn translucent and sticky when fully cooked.

Dust and knead:

Dust a clean surface with cornstarch or potato starch.

Transfer the hot mochi onto the surface (be careful, it’s sticky and hot!).

Dust your hands with starch and gently knead the mochi to make it more manageable.

Shape the mochi:

Divide the mochi into small portions.

Flatten each piece, add a small amount of filling if desired, and carefully pinch the edges to seal the mochi around the filling.

Serve:

Roll the mochi balls in more starch to prevent sticking.

Serve fresh! Mochi tastes best the same day.