Centuries ago, Wasabi grew wild in Japan's Kitani-Kyo watershed, and was gathered for use as a seasoning for trout and venison, as well as Kyoto-style pickled vegetables.
Although the true origins of bread pudding are a bit cloudy, forms of it are present in ancient Egypt, medieval Europe, and recipes exist dating from the 1700's in North America.
This dessert combines the Japanese influence of wasabi, the creamy sweetness and texture of warm custard, and the hearty stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction of bread pudding.
Fusion foods are typically bolder, flavor powerhouses, as is wasabi.
This variation of a homestyle comfort dessert shows that they don't have to be, but don't take my word for it:
"The proof is in the pudding!"
Gluten-Free Wasabi Bread Pudding
8 slices rice bread cut into 1/2 inch cubes
5 eggs
3/4 C soy milk
3/4 C sugar
1 T vanilla extract
2 T wasabi powder or paste
1/2 t salt
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375*.
In a medium sized mixing bowl, beat together eggs, sugar, vanilla and wasabi.
Gradually add bread cubes, stirring until well-incorporated.
Smooth with food processor or hand blender until most of the larger pieces of bread are broken down to crumbs.
The resulting mixture should resemble a thick pancake batter with just a few larger hearty hunks of bread for texture.
Ladle into greased muffin tin and place in hot water bath on a large cookie sheet.
Bake at 375* for 30-40 minutes, or until custard is golden-brown on top and no liquid batter is present.
Tip:
You'll want to position the custard as close to center of oven as possible to ensure that it cooks more evenly.
Shopping guide:
Kroger in the Brewery District carries Udi's gluten free baked goods, and the white sandwich bread is perfect for this recipe.
150 W Sycamore St
Columbus, OH 43270
Neighborhood: Brewery District
(614) 340-7979
For more fiber and vitamins, try Trader Joe's Flourless Sprouted Grains bread; It will settle to the bottom a bit more and have a grainy texture, and be less creamy, but the added bonus the sprouted grians offer is worth the sacrifice.
Trader Joe's: Easton
3888 Townsfair Way
Columbus, OH 43219
Neighborhood: Easton
(614) 473-0794
6355 Sawmill Rd
Dublin OH 43017
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