Drinks
Amazake (Sweet Fermented Rice Drink)
Ingredients
- 200 g cooked short-grain rice (1 cup)
- 200 g dried rice koji (7 oz)
- 400 ml water, plus extra as needed (1 2/3 cups)
Method
- Mix cooked rice with water in the rice cooker pot, mashing slightly, and stir in the dried koji until well combined.
- Check the mixture's temperature reaches around 60°C (140°F); this is the ideal range for the koji enzymes to work.
- Set the rice cooker to keep-warm (or use the porridge/yogurt setting), leaving the lid slightly ajar to prevent overheating.
- Let ferment for 6-8 hours, stirring once or twice, until the mixture turns notably sweet and slightly liquefied.
- Once fermentation is complete, blend if a smoother texture is desired, then store or dilute with water/milk before serving warm or chilled.
Introduction: Amazake is a naturally sweet, low- or non-alcoholic drink made by fermenting rice with koji (a rice mould culture), traditionally consumed warm in winter and especially around New Year shrine visits and the Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri).
Cultural Background: Amazake is a naturally sweet, low- or non-alcoholic drink made by fermenting rice with koji (a rice mould culture), traditionally consumed warm in winter and especially around New Year shrine visits and the Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri).
Tips: Keeping the temperature close to 60°C (140°F) throughout is critical; too hot kills the koji enzymes, too cool slows fermentation significantly.
Variations: Amazake can be diluted with milk for a creamier drink, or blended into smoothies; a quicker version uses sake lees (sake kasu) instead of koji, though this version contains alcohol.
Storage: Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 1 week, or freeze in portions for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally; avoid boiling to preserve nutrients.
FAQs:
Q: Does amazake contain alcohol?
A: The koji-based version made from rice and koji is non-alcoholic, unlike the sake-lees version which retains a small amount of alcohol.
Q: Is amazake vegan?
A: Yes, the koji-rice version is naturally vegan.
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