Chestnut Wagashi

• 15–20 chestnuts, about 250 g (9 oz)
• A pinch

Rinse the chestnuts. Pierce the chestnuts with a fork and steam it on medium heat for 30 minutes or until soft. Cut the steamed chestnuts into halves. Spoon out the flesh and place in a suribachi, or mortar and pestle.

Add sugar and salt and finely mash the chestnut. Press mashed chestnut through a fine sieve into a smooth paste. Divide chestnut paste into 8 portions and roll int