Chakin Shibori (literally “tea towel squeeze”) is a traditional Japanese homemade dessert full of autumn flavor. Made with satsumaimo (Japanese yam) and sugar, it’s non-fat, fiber-rich, vegan, and easy to make. You can also spice it up by adding matcha powder.
Ingredients
Yields 12–14 pieces
14 oz satsumaimo (Japanese yam)
3–4 tbsp sugar
pinch of salt
1/2 tsp matcha powder
Directions
Step 1: Cut satsumaimo into about one-inch cubes.
Step 2: Soak satsumaimo cubes in cold water for 30 minutes. Change water once or twice. (These steps make the flavor fuller and smoother.)
Step 3: Add satsumaimo and cold water into a pot and cook for about 20 minutes, until soft enough to mash.
Step 4: Mash the satsumaimo and add sugar and a pinch of salt. Adjust the amount of sugar depending on the sweetness of the satsumaimo.
Step 5: Divide the mashed satsumaimo into two.
Step 6: Mix in matcha powder into half the mashed satsumaimo.
Step 7: Put two spoonfuls of plain or matcha-flavored mashed satsumaimo onto a wet fukin* (Japanese kitchen towel), wrap it, and twist the top of the fukin to make a ball shape. (You can also make a ball that combines the plain and matcha-flavored versions.)
*You can substitute plastic wrap.
We used "kiwami" matcha powder from Matchaful. www.matchaful.com
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