There is an old Japanese sweet called ‘Matsukaze’ (Wind in the Pines) that has hundreds of years history. And there is a Chicken Mince dish that looks like the sweet ‘Matsukaze’. This Chicken Mince dish is often prepared for the New Year celebration. I don’t have a large square pan, I bake it in the oven.


Makes

4 to 6 Servings

Ingredients

500g Chicken Mince *Chicken Thigh preferred but Breast is fine
1 Spring Onion *finely chopped
2 Shiitake *finely chopped
*Note: You can add finely chopped other Vegetables
1 small piece Ginger *grated
1 tablespoon Miso *Red Miso OR dark colour type
1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
1 tablespoons Mirin
1 teaspoon Sugar
1 Egg
1/4 cup ‘Panko’ Breadcrumbs
Toasted Sesame Seeds for topping

Method
  1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with a sheet of foil and lightly oil it. *Note: If you have a 18cm square cake tin, you can use it. Oil the base and the sides.
  2. Combine Chicken Mince, Vegetables and seasonings very well. Add Egg and mix well, then add ‘Panko’ Breadcrumbs and mix well.
  3. On the prepared tray, form the mixture into a 2-3cm thick square or rectangle.
  4. Fold up the edges of the foil and form a box. Smooth the surface.
  5. *Note: If you use a tin, this process is easy. Just spread the mixture in the tin and smooth the surface.
  6. Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds quite generously.
  7. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until cooked though.
  8. Cool completely. Cut into bite-size pieces and serve. It’s a good idea to serve them on bamboo sticks.