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Gappara-mochi ｜ Our Regional Cuisines

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  • Aomori Prefecture

    Gappara-mochi

Gappara-mochi

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  • Main lore areas

    Tsugaru Region

  • Main ingredients used

    Rice, Wheat flour, Brown sugar, Black sesame seeds

  • History/origin/related events

    In the past, when ironing at home to achieve crispness, people used a mixture called "rice paste" applied to fabric. It was made by mushing soaked rice in water. The leftover rice residue, not well crushed during this process, was called "Nori-kasu." To avoid wasting it, people mixed it with black sugar, formed it into dough, and then pan-fried it to create a delicious snack. It is said to be called "Gappara-mochi" because the ingredients are transferred to the baking pan "Gapapp" (onomatopoeic word) at once and baked. It is a local snack from the Tsugaru region, which enjoyed a relatively warm climate in Aomori prefecture and was prosperous in rice cultivation. It reflects the culture of not wasting food, typical of the Tsugaru region. It is also known as "Nori-kasu-mochi."

  • Opportunities and times of eating habits

    A snack made at home by grandmothers for their grandchildren. It has a sticky texture and is accented with a lot of sesame seeds.

  • How to eat

    Originally made by mashing rice soaked in water, today it is often made easily using rice flour or cold rice. Mix sugar, salt, and black sesame seeds, add water to spread the mixture, pour the mixture into a greased frying pan, and cook on both sides. You can also add azuki beans, kidney beans, walnuts, etc. Cut the thick, circular shape into radial slices like a pizza. Although the slices are sold individually wrapped at roadside stations and product centers, they are a rare treat for people outside the region. For those from Tsugaru, it is a nostalgic taste of their hometown, but it is hard to find these days when easy foods are available.

  • Efforts for Preservation and Succession

    (Outline of the traditions, the preservation society, social media use, modern approaches to commercialization)
    It is sold at local roadside stations and events, and cooking classes are held for mothers raising children at food education events. For the younger generation, arrangements are also introduced, such as wrapping it like a crepe with fruit, cream, or red bean paste.

RECIPE

Ingredients (8-10 servings, amount for one frying pan)

  • Rice 300g
  • Wheat flour 50g
  • Brown sugar 100g
  • Water 100ml
  • Black sesame seeds 2tsp.
  • Salt A pinch
  • Vegetable oil A little

How to cook

  • 1. Lightly mash the rice in a mortar.

  • 2. Add flour, brown sugar, water, black sesame seeds, and salt to the lightly mashed rice and mix further.

  • 3. Add a small amount of vegetable oil to the heated frying pan and spread it evenly. Then, add the mashed rice mixture from step 2 and shape it into circle.

  • 4. Grill slowly over low heat until browned on both sides.

  • 5. Cut into 8 to 10 radial pieces.

provider : "Aomori Prefecture Council for the Promotion of Improved Dietary Habits"

Recipes vary depending on the region and home.

Contact

Food Cultures Office, Overseas Market Development and Food Cultures Division, Food Industry Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Tel:+81-3-3502-5516

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