🇯🇵 Japan · Dessert

Imo Kinton

60 min
A great way to spend your free time
🔥 280 kcal
Nicely balanced
🍽 4 servings
Great for the family

By eatmundo · July 12, 2026

Imo Kinton🇯🇵 JPAsturio Cantabrio · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

A refined, sweet mashed potato confection decorated with chestnuts, often enjoyed during the Japanese New Year.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  • 1

    Peel 500g sweet potato and cut into 2cm cubes, soaking in cold water for 10 minutes.

  • 2

    Steam the cubes in a bamboo basket until fork-tender, about 20 minutes.

  • 3

    Drain the cubes and pass them through a fine mesh sieve while hot.

  • 4

    Place the smooth puree into a saucepan over low heat.

  • 5

    Mix in 50g sugar and stir constantly until it thickens into a glossy paste.

  • 6

    Remove from heat and let it cool completely in a clean bowl.

  • 7

    Gently fold in 100g cooked chestnuts, keeping most of them whole for texture.

  • 8

    Shape the mixture into small, rustic mounds using a clean kitchen towel or wrap.

  • 9

    Arrange on a serving plate and enjoy the natural earthy sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which variety of sweet potato is best for making a smooth Kinton?+

Use Japanese sweet potatoes (Satsumaimo) for their naturally firm texture and sweet, nutty flavor profile.

How can I ensure the sweet potato paste becomes completely smooth?+

Pass the cooked sweet potato through a fine-mesh sieve or food mill while it is still hot to remove any fibrous strands.

What is the best way to incorporate the chestnuts?+

Use jarred, syrup-packed chestnuts (Kuri no Kanroni) and fold them into the paste gently at the end to keep them from breaking apart.

What is a common mistake when cooking the potato mixture?+

Avoid over-boiling the potatoes, as excess moisture will make the paste too runny and difficult to shape.

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