In my recent post I talked about how much more aware I’ve become about Japanese food trends since I started using Instagram.
The inspiration for this sandwich was also found when I was browsing pictures on Instagram.
I was instantly attracted to the red bean butter sandwich served at this cafe in Kyoto, Japan when I saw its pictures.
It’s a simple sandwich.
Butter and sweet red beans are sandwiched in buns.
This combination of butter and sweet red beans may sound strange to Westerners, but it’s nothing new, and something similar, called “Ogura Toast” which is a toasted slice of bread is served with spread of butter and sweet red beans, has been a popular dish for many years in the Nagoya region where I’m from.
I think this sandwich style became a hit because of its cool (or cute) look and using butter in the solid form not melted.
Now, the idea definitely came from this cafe’s sandwich, but I’m proud to point out that there are a few things very cool about my sandwiches.
One is the buns.
Well, these are homemade, and they are soft, slightly sweet, and delicious!
The other thing is this butter.
In addition to regular butter, I decided to use two flavored butter: Matcha and strawberry.
Aren’t these pretty?
These are actually not only pretty but also absolutely DELICIOUS!!
You can use these for anything, a simple toast, waffles, pancakes, bagels…
Matcha Butter
– salted butter
– matcha powder, sifted
– honey
Strawberry Butter
– salted butter
– ground and powdered freeze dried strawberries, sifted
– honey
I used Trader Joe’s freeze dried strawberries.
They also have other freeze dried fruits, such as blueberries and raspberries, and I like to keep them in my pantry.
These are great for baking when you want to add some natural flavor and color but you don’t want to add any liquid.
The flavors are packed in these freeze dried fruits like any dried food, and I love it.
The regular butter version.
The strawberry butter version.
The Matcha butter version.
I tried to pick a favorite, but each is just so great in its own way!
Loved them all!
Here is what it looks like inside when they are cut into quarters.
Have a great rest of the weekend!
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