Amazake 甘酒

Using a rice cooker, cook rice in porridge mode according to the machines instructions.

Once porridge is cooked, the temperature should be about 175.F. Remove bowl from rice cooker.

Gradually add water 1/8 c. at a time, stirring thoroughly, until the temperature falls below 140.F. Add in crumbled koji, stirring to incorporate. Ensure there is enough water to cover the rice and koji, adding more warm water as needed.

Return bowl to rice cooker and set to 'keep warm'. Cover the rice cooker with a damp towel, not the lid, to prevent the porridge from getting too hot. Let cook for 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally and checking the temperature every hour for the first 2-3 hours. The porridge should stay between 125 and 140.F at all times.

After 8 hours, the mixture will start to release a sweet fragrance. Once fragrant, turn the rice cooker off and transfer the rice cooker bowl into ice water to cool. Once cool, transfer to a large, sterile container.

Serve

Remove a portion of the porridge from the container and dilute with hot or iced water to the desired consistency.