Hey there, food enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the world of delightful Japanese cuisine with a twist - Matcha Bean Bread made right in your trusty rice cooker. 🍵🍞
I recently stumbled upon this intriguing recipe on Cotta, and I couldn't wait to give it a try. It's the perfect fusion of traditional and modern, combining the earthy flavors of matcha (green tea) and the comforting creaminess of sweet red beans, all wrapped up in a fluffy loaf of bread. The best part? You can whip it up using your everyday rice cooker.
So, let's embark on this culinary adventure and create a unique Japanese-inspired treat right in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Matcha Bean Bread Dough:
- 2 cups bread flour
- 2 tablespoons matcha powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup lukewarm water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Sweet Red Bean Filling:
- 1 cup sweet red bean paste (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Matcha Bean Bread Dough:
- In a bowl, combine the bread flour, matcha powder, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in lukewarm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10-15 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Incorporate the softened unsalted butter into the dough, kneading until it's fully absorbed.
2. Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
3. Divide and Shape the Dough:
- Punch down the risen dough to remove excess air.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions.
- Roll out one portion into a rectangle, about 12x8 inches (30x20 cm).
4. Add the Sweet Red Bean Filling:
- Spread half of the sweet red bean paste evenly over the rolled-out dough.
5. Roll Up the Dough:
- Carefully roll up the dough from the long side, jelly-roll style, creating a log.
6. Place in the Rice Cooker:
- Grease the inner pot of your rice cooker.
- Place the rolled dough, seam-side down, into the greased rice cooker pot.
7. Repeat and Cook:
- Repeat the process with the second portion of dough and sweet red bean paste.
- Place it in the rice cooker alongside the first loaf.
8. Cook in the Rice Cooker:
- Set your rice cooker to the regular rice-cooking setting. It will take roughly one cooking cycle to bake the bread.
9. Check and Cool:
- When the cooking cycle is complete, check the bread. It should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
- Carefully remove the loaves from the rice cooker and let them cool on a wire rack.
10. Slice and Enjoy:
- Once cooled, slice your Matcha Bean Bread and savor the delightful combination of matcha and sweet red beans.
Tips:
- You can adjust the amount of sweet red bean paste to your liking.
- If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the sugar in the dough.
The result? A beautifully green, fragrant loaf of Matcha Bean Bread that's not only visually appealing but also incredibly tasty. The earthy notes of matcha complement the sweetness of the red beans, creating a harmonious flavor profile that's uniquely Japanese.
Whether you enjoy it as a snack, a dessert, or even for breakfast, this bread is sure to transport you to the serene tea gardens of Japan with every bite. So, why not give it a try and bring a touch of Japan to your kitchen? Happy baking! 🍵🍞
