Hanami Dango

Hey, foodies! Today, I’m bringing you a recipe inspired by one of my all-time favorite anime shows Naruto!  If you’ve ever watched the show (which, I’m sure a lot of you have), you’ll know that there’s this iconic episode (okay, it’s a filler, but still!) where Itachi eats some hanami dango. Ever since that moment, I’ve been dying to try it for myself! So here we go, I made it, and I’m sharing the recipe with you all!

Hanami Dango (also known as Sanshoku Dango because of the three colorful layers) is a traditional Japanese snack that’s usually enjoyed during cherry blossom viewing also called hanami.  It’s a super cute and tasty treat, but when I first tried it, I was like, “Is this what I imagined?” It’s not too sweet, but the chewy texture and subtle flavors (especially the matcha green one!) are a win in my book. So, here’s how you can make it at home!

Method 

Make the dough 

Start by combining the silken tofu and sugar in a mixing bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to knead the ingredients together. The goal here is to form a soft, smooth dough ball. The tofu will give the dough its chewy texture, while the sugar adds a bit of sweetness. Kneading can take about 3-5 minutes, so be patient and make sure the dough is well-mixed.

Divide the dough 

Once the dough is formed, divide it into three equal sections, each weighing about 80g. This will allow you to create three distinct colored doughs green, pink, and white for the hanami dango.

Add matcha 

Take one of the dough sections and add the sifted matcha powder to it. Knead the matcha into the dough until it is evenly distributed and the dough turns a lovely green color. Be sure to knead the dough well so that the matcha flavor is spread throughout, as it adds a subtle, earthy taste to your dango.

Color the dough 

Next, take another section of dough and add a few drops of pink food coloring to it. Knead the dough thoroughly until it reaches a soft, uniform pink hue. The vibrant color gives the dango its signature look, making it a beautiful treat to serve.

Shape the balls 

Now it’s time to shape your dough into balls. Divide each colored dough into smaller pieces about 20g each. Roll each piece into a smooth, round ball. You should have roughly 12 balls in total  4 green, 4 white, and 4 pink. The balls don’t need to be perfect, but try to make them about the same size for a uniform presentation.

Boil the dumplings 

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Carefully drop the dango balls into the boiling water. Let them cook for 2-4 minutes. You’ll notice the balls begin to float to the top when they’re done. This is a great sign that they’re ready. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overcook. Once they float to the top, they’re perfect!

Chill the dango 

Once the dango balls have floated to the top, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the boiling water. Immediately place them in an ice bath (a bowl filled with ice and water). This step is crucial for stopping the cooking process and cooling them down quickly. The ice bath also helps to keep the chewy texture intact, ensuring your dango won’t become too soft or soggy.

Skewer the dango 

After the dango has cooled in the ice bath, it’s time to assemble your skewers. Take a skewer and carefully thread the dango balls onto it, alternating between the three colors. Typically, it’s green, then white, and pink, but you can arrange them however you like. This adds a pretty, colorful touch to your hanami dango and makes them look even more inviting!

Necessary Tools 

• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or hands for kneading
• Pot for boiling water
• Ice bath (a bowl with ice and water)
• Skewers for serving

Serving Suggestions 

• Serve these colorful dango skewers as a fun snack or dessert at a gathering or during a picnic under the cherry blossoms (if you’re lucky enough to have them nearby!).
• They pair wonderfully with green tea or any light Japanese beverage to complement the subtle flavors.
• You can also serve these on their own for a fun anime-inspired treat during your next binge-watch session!

Fun Fact 

Did you know? The three colors of hanami dango (green, white, and pink) are said to represent the different phases of the cherry blossom season  green for the fresh buds, white for the fully bloomed flowers, and pink for the falling petals!

Conclusion 

So, there you have it! A simple yet delicious way to enjoy Hanami Dango at home, all thanks to a little anime inspiration.  This treat is light, chewy, and just the right amount of sweet perfect for sharing with friends or for your own personal anime snack attack! Try it out next time you want a fun, colorful treat that brings a bit of Japanese tradition to your kitchen. Let me know how it goes, and enjoy every bite!