Mochi (sticky rice cake) is an important food in Japanese culture. For example, people decorate their houses with special mochi called kagamimochi and eat zoni (rice cake soup) during Japanese New Year's holidays.
Steamed mochi rice (glutinous rice) is pounded to make mochi. Traditionally, wooden mortars and pestles are used to pound mochi rice. Fresh mochi is soft, but it becomes hard soon. Prepacked mochi, which are flattened and cut into pieces or shaped into rounds are available at grocery stores. Mochi is easily to get mold, so it's best to cook soon.
Cooked mochi is very sticky, so be careful not to choke. Mochi can be grilled, fried, and simmered. It's used in many dishes. Enjoy Japanese sticky rice cake!
Japanese Mochi Dishes:
