Eboshi

Eboshi is a traditional Japanese confectionery made from sweetened bean paste, typically azuki beans, wrapped in a thin layer of rice flour and deep-fried until crispy. The term "eboshi" translates to "bean pod" in English, reflecting its shape and origin. The bean paste is first mixed with sugar and sometimes other ingredients like cinnamon or ginger for added flavor. This mixture is then wrapped in a thin layer of rice flour, creating a small, round shape that resembles a bean pod. The wrapped bean paste is deep-fried in oil until it becomes golden brown and crispy. Eboshi is often served as a snack or dessert and is popular during the New Year's celebrations, where it is known as "oshiruko." It is also commonly found in Japanese convenience stores and supermarkets. The texture of eboshi is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a sweet and slightly nutty flavor.