Easy Hanami Dango

by
A plate of colorful Hanami Dango, a traditional Japanese sweet for cherry blossom season.

Why Make This Recipe

Hanami Dango is a delightful Japanese treat often enjoyed during cherry blossom viewing. This recipe is simple, colorful, and fun to make. It’s perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or a sweet treat at home. The cheerful colors and chewy texture make it appealing to people of all ages.

How to Make Easy Hanami Dango

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup glutinous rice flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Food coloring (pink, green, white)
  • Sesame seeds or sweet soy syrup for serving (optional)

Directions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and sugar.
  2. Gradually add water and mix until a dough forms.
  3. Divide the dough into three equal parts and color each with food coloring (pink, green, and leave one white).
  4. Roll each colored dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
  5. Prepare a pot of boiling water and cook the dough balls for about 5-7 minutes or until they float.
  6. Remove the dango from the water and let them cool.
  7. Serve with sesame seeds or sweet soy syrup if desired.
Easy Hanami Dango

How to Serve Easy Hanami Dango

You can serve Easy Hanami Dango in a beautiful bowl, arranging the colorful balls in a row or stacking them. For added texture and flavor, sprinkle sesame seeds on top or drizzle sweet soy syrup over them. Enjoy them fresh for the best taste.

How to Store Easy Hanami Dango

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also refrigerate them for a short time. Just be mindful that they might lose some of their chewy texture after being stored.

Tips to Make Easy Hanami Dango

  • Use a little oil on your hands when rolling the dough to prevent sticking.
  • Make sure the water is boiling before adding the dango to ensure they cook properly.
  • You can adjust the amount of food coloring based on your preference for vibrant colors.

Variation

You can add flavors to the dango by mixing in matcha powder for a green tea taste or sweet red bean paste inside the dough balls for added sweetness.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular rice flour instead of glutinous rice flour?
No, glutinous rice flour is essential for the chewy texture of dango. Regular rice flour won’t give the same results.

2. How can I make different flavors of dango?
You can mix in flavorings like matcha or fruit purees into the dough before coloring it.

3. How long can I keep Hanami Dango in the refrigerator?
You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to two days, but they are best eaten fresh. When reheating, steam or microwave them to restore some softness.