Yakimochi isgrilled orbroiledmochi or poundedrice cake. Traditionally, it is prepared using a smallcharcoalgrill, but in modern times a gas grill can be used. During the time of the Autumn Moon, it is traditional to eat fresh yakimochi while sippingsake and enjoying the view of the fullmoon.
During theMeiji era, yakimochi was commonly eaten in rural Japan, and historical versions contained not only rice but other grains such asmillet,barley, wheat flour, and rice husks. A version from theNiigata Prefecture eaten in mountain areas used rice husks and other grain flours to make a dough, stuffed with vegetables and cooked in miso.[1][2]
Yakimochi is also synonymous with 'jealousy', which derived from a love-prediction game. In the game, two mochi are meant to represent a boy and girl, and as they cook the expansion of the mochi indicates who will make the first romantic move.[3]
Yakimochi can be prepared in several ways:
