Japanese Superfoods: Kinako

“Just another food-based confirmation of choosing to become a Japan-dweller!”

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I was first introduced to my love kinako (soybean flour), smothered on and around my other love, mochi(Japanese rice cakes). The flavor was like nothing I’d ever tasted: deliciously nutty, slightly spicy and delicately soft and sweet all at the same time — just another food-based confirmation of choosing to become a Japan-dweller!

© Savvy Tokyo

But kinako is not only flavorsome. It is also a proven superfood, and, one that is suitable for our gluten-free and nut-allergic friends, too: kinako is finely ground and roasted soybeans. It has a powdery flour-like texture, it is golden brown in color, smells warm and nutty, and tastes similar to roasted peanuts.

Why Is It A Superfood?

For starters, in Japan soybeans are known as the “meat of the field.” This is because soybeans are a wonderful source of plant-based protein. Kinako, naturally sharing the same nutritional profile as the mighty soybean is packed with more protein per 100g than actual meat (note that).

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In addition to protein, kinako is rich in soy isoflavones (interestingly known to promote hair growth by mimicking estrogen and reducing DHT, a hormone that causes hair loss), lecithin (which has anti-aging powers), dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B1, potassium, chlorophyll and calcium. In short, kinako is a superfood miracle.

How To Use It?

Traditionally, kinako is used to compliment mochi or other wagashi (Japanese-style desserts). Other modern common uses of kinako are as a low-carb paleo baking ingredient (simply sub for a 1/4 of your recipe’s asking flour) in cookies and cakes or stirred into hot milk for kinako lattes — a usual at most Japanese restaurants and cafes.

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Personally, I like to think of it as a natural protein powder minus the nasty ingredients because, well, it is! So, I add a heaped spoonful into my morning smoothie, sprinkle it on unsweetened yogurt for an afternoon pick-me-up, or stir it into a warm cup of milk (with a cheeky drizzle of honey) for a nutritious hot drink.

Recipe: Kinako and Banana Smoothie Bowl

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Ingredients:

(Serves 2)

・2 frozen bananas

・1/4 cup unsweetened yogurt of choice

・1/2 cup milk of choice

・1 heaped tsp 100% kinako

・Pinch of cinnamon

・1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)

・1 tsp peanut butter (optional)

Instructions:

Place all ingredients in a high-powered blender and blitz until dreamy and creamy. Spoon into a bowl and top with favorite toppings of choice — I used fresh banana and kiwi-fruit, raw almonds, chia seeds and more kinako! Put in a bowl and enjoy your superfood breakfast (or an afternoon snack)!

If you try these recipes or use kinako in your menu, share your amazing photos with us viaFacebookor #savvytokyo onInstagram. Enjoy! xx