Kuri kinton

Kuri kinton is a traditional meal consisting of mashed sweet potatoes and chestnuts in chestnut syrup and mirin. Literally translated, it means chestnut gold mash, its bright, golden yellow color symbolizing economic prosperity and wealth, which is the reason why kuri kinton is traditionally consumed on New Year. Although the dish is quite sweet, it is not considered a dessert in Japanese cuisine. It is recommended to use Japanese sweet potatoes called satsumaimo instead of regular sweet potatoes, since they are much sweeter than the regular variety. Dried gardenia pods are a welcome addition to the dish, giving it a more intense yellow color.