Hanami Dango (Tri-Color Japanese Dumplings)

Jolene Atencio avatar   
Jolene Atencio
Soft, chewy Japanese rice dumplings in three beautiful colors: pink, white, and green. Each color represents the arrival of spring—pink for cherry blossoms, white for the last snow, and green for new ..

INGREDIENTS:

For the dough:

  • 150g rice flour (preferably dango flour or a mix of rice + glutinous rice flour)
  • 120-140 ml warm water
  • 2 tbsp sugar

For coloring:

  • pink: a few drops of food coloring
  • green: 1 tsp matcha 
  • white: leave plain

INSTRUCTIONS:

Prepare the dough:

  • In a bowl, mix rice flour and sugar
  • Gradually add warm water while mixing
  • Knead until you get a smooth, soft dough (not sticky, not dry)

Divide and color:

  • Split the dough into 3 equal parts
  • Leave one white 
  • Add pink coloring to one part
  • Mix matcha into the third part until evenly green

Shape the dumplings:

  • Roll each colored dough into small balls (about 2-3 cm)

Cook the dango:

  • Bring a pot of water to a boil
  • Drop the balls into the water 
  • When they float to the top, cook for another 1-2 minutes
  • Remove and place them in cold water for a few seconds

ASSEMBLE:

  • Skewer 3 balls on a stick in this order: pink-white-green

SERVING:

  • Best eaten fresh
  • Slightly chewy and soft
  • Traditionally enjoyed during Hanami

TIPS:

  • If dough cracks - add a little more water
  • If too sticky - add a bit more flour
  • You can lightly grill them for extra flavor (optional)

 

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