Mitarashi Dango

Introduction to Mitarashi Dango

Mitarashi Dango is a traditional Japanese sweet widely enjoyed for its unique taste and texture. The word "Mitarashi" is believed to originate from the Mitarashi Festival, where these dumplings were first introduced at Kyoto's Shimogamo Shrine. These sweet, skewered rice dumplings are coated in a glossy, soy sauce-based glaze that offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients

• Glutinous rice flour - 150g
• Water - 120ml
• Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Sugar - 100g
• Cornstarch - 1 tablespoon
• Mirin - 1 tablespoon
• Bamboo skewers - 5-6

Preparation and Cooking Process

Preparing the Dango

To make the dango, mix glutinous rice flour with water in a large bowl. Stir until it forms a smooth, pliable dough. If the dough is too crumbly, gradually add more water. Divide the dough into small, equal portions and roll them into balls approximately 2.5cm in diameter.

Cooking the Dango

Bring a pot of water to a boil and gently drop the rice balls into the pot. Allow them to cook until they float to the surface, then let them boil for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove the dango from the pot using a slotted spoon and place them in an ice water bath to cool.

Making the Mitarashi Sauce

For the mitarashi sauce, in a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. In a separate bowl, dissolve cornstarch in a small amount of water, and gradually add it to the saucepan, stirring constantly. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens to a glaze-like consistency.

Grilling the Dango

Thread 3-4 dango onto each bamboo skewer. Grill the skewered dango over medium heat, rotating occasionally until they develop a light char and a crisp exterior. Baste the grilled dango with the prepared mitarashi sauce, ensuring an even coat on each skewer.

Enjoying Mitarashi Dango

Mitarashi Dango is best enjoyed fresh off the grill when the dango is still warm and the glaze is sticky. These sweet dumplings are often paired with green tea, enhancing the experience by balancing the sweet and savory flavors of the soy sauce-based glaze. Enjoy this delicacy as a dessert or a snack any time of the day.

With its simple ingredients and straightforward process, Mitarashi Dango brings a taste of traditional Japan to your home kitchen. Make sure to use a cooking timer to achieve perfect results every time!

Additional Tips

• Experiment with different skewering techniques and the number of dumplings per skewer.
• Customize the sweetness of the glaze to suit your preference by adjusting the amount of sugar.
• If you don't have an open flame for grilling, a hot grill pan can yield similar results.