Oteja

Oteja is a traditional Japanese confectionery made from sweet red bean paste, often referred to as azuki. The name "oteja" is derived from the Japanese words "ote" meaning "to boil" and "ja" meaning "beans," reflecting the process of boiling the beans to create the paste. The paste is then mixed with sugar and sometimes other ingredients like cinnamon or ginger, and formed into small, round balls or other shapes. Oteja is typically coated in a thin layer of powdered sugar or cornstarch, giving it a distinctive crunchy exterior. It is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert, and can be found in various forms such as oteja-ama, which are larger versions of the confectionery, and oteja-iro, which are colored versions. The confectionery has a long history in Japan, with its origins dating back to the Edo period. Today, oteja remains a popular treat, often associated with traditional Japanese sweets and festivals.