🍚 Imomochi(potato rice cake)／Imodango(potato dumplings)

“Imomochi” (potato rice cake) is a local dish that is easy to make at home using potatoes, one of Hokkaido's most popular agricultural products. In some areas, it is also known as "Imodango” (potato dumplings). Besides Hokkaido, “Imomochi” are also produced in Gifu, Kochi, and Wakayama prefectures, but the type of potatoes used and the way they are made differ depending on the region. “Imomochi” is said to have originated in the early days of rice farming, when rice cakes were made using potatoes that were abundantly available at the time, instead of glutinous rice. In addition to potatoes, pumpkins are sometimes used, and even today they are known as "Kabocha mochi” (pumpkin rice cake). During the pioneer days of the Meiji period (1868 - 1912), "Imomochi" was valued by the pioneers as a valuable source of protein. Because of its ease of preparation, it became a popular dish among the people. It was eaten during and after the war, when food was scarce, and is now a staple snack in Hokkaido. It is popular with people of all ages, from adults to children.