sasukes

Sasukes is a term that refers to a type of traditional Japanese sweet. These confections are typically made from mochi, a pounded rice cake, and often filled with anko, a sweet paste made from red beans. Sasukes can vary in shape and size, with common forms including round balls, flattened discs, or small parcels. They are often served during special occasions, festivals, or as a treat with green tea. The texture of sasukes is characteristically chewy and slightly sticky due to the mochi. The filling can also be a source of variation, with different types of anko, such as tsubuan (coarse bean paste) or koshian (smooth bean paste), offering distinct flavor profiles. Some variations may also include other ingredients like fruit or nuts. The preparation of sasukes involves steaming or boiling the glutinous rice, then pounding it into a smooth dough. This dough is then shaped and filled. The simplicity of its core ingredients allows for a wide range of regional and personal interpretations of this Japanese dessert.