Description
Hojicha Purin is a silky Japanese custard pudding infused with roasted green tea and topped with a layer of bittersweet caramel. It’s an elegant, less-sweet alternative to flan with a unique earthy flavor and delicate texture.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 8 g hojicha tea (loose leaf or 2 tea bags)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for custard)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- To make caramel, heat 1/2 cup sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until it turns dark amber. Immediately pour into bottom of 6 custard molds.
- In another saucepan, heat milk and cream until just simmering. Remove from heat, add hojicha, and steep for 10 minutes. Squeeze tea bags or strain leaves, then discard.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, 1/3 cup sugar, and a pinch of salt until combined. Slowly temper eggs by adding the warm hojicha milk gradually while whisking.
- Briefly heat the custard mixture over low heat for 30 seconds, then strain through a fine sieve into a clean bowl.
- Pour custard into prepared molds. Pop bubbles on the surface using a toothpick.
- Place molds in a deep baking dish. Fill the dish with hot water to halfway up the sides of the molds.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, checking doneness at 30 minutes. The center should jiggle slightly but look set.
- Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours.
- To serve, run a knife along the mold edges and invert onto a plate. Jiggle gently to release the purin.
Notes
- Use loose leaf hojicha or tea bags—strain well for a smooth texture.
- Don’t overbake to avoid grainy custard.
- Top with whipped cream or kinako for extra flavor.
- Dairy-free alternatives like oat milk and coconut cream can be used.
- Best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 purin
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
