Description
A delightful and easy-to-make Japanese jelly-like dessert made from red bean paste, agar powder, and sugar. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without being overly sugary.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Water (For dissolving agar powder)
- 1 cup Red bean paste (anko) (Opt for smooth for the best texture)
- 3 tablespoons Granulated sugar (Adjust according to sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon Agar powder (Plant-based thickener)
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Matcha powder (For added flavor and color)
- 1/2 cup Chopped chestnuts (For a nutty kick)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a saucepan, combine agar powder with water (generally 1 teaspoon to 1 cup of water), stirring well.
- Heat the mixture until the agar dissolves completely, about 2-3 minutes. Ensure it does not boil over.
- Once dissolved, add sugar to the mixture and stir until fully dissolved.
- Add red bean paste to the saucepan and whisk until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. This may require some effort to eliminate lumps.
- Pour the mixture into a lined loaf pan or mold.
- Allow the yokan to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours to set.
Notes
Yokan is versatile and can be made with different flavors like sweet potato or served with toppings like whipped cream. It keeps well in an airtight container for up to a week in the fridge. Do not freeze as this can alter the texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: Japanese