Kenpi facts for kids
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| Type | Snack |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Japan |
| Region or state | Kōchi Prefecture |
| Main ingredients | Sweet potato |
Kenpi, also called Imo-kenpi, is a popular snack from Japan. It is especially famous in Kōchi Prefecture. The word Imo means "potato," especially "sweet potato."
Kenpi looks like thin strips of sweet potato. They are similar to french fries in shape. However, Kenpi is hard and has a sweet, sugary taste. Today, you can find Kenpi in almost every supermarket and convenience store in Japan.
Contents
How is Kenpi Made?
Making Kenpi starts with fresh sweet potatoes. The purple-skinned kind is often used. First, the sweet potatoes are peeled. Then, they are cut into strips about 5 centimeters long.
Frying the Sweet Potatoes
The sweet potato strips are fried in hot oil. The oil is usually around 160 degrees Celsius. They are fried until they turn a nice golden brown color. This process also removes most of the water from the sweet potatoes. This makes them very crisp when they cool down. After frying, any extra oil is drained away.
Adding the Sweet Glaze
Next, a special sugar glaze is made. This glaze uses sugar, a tiny bit of salt for flavor, and water. It is heated until it is almost boiling. This hot glaze is then poured over the fried sweet potato strips.
The strips are carefully separated. They are placed on a rack to let any extra sugar drip off. As the Kenpi cools, the sugar glaze becomes hard and shiny. It is important to store Kenpi in sealed bags or containers right away. This keeps them crisp because of their high sugar content.
Different Kinds of Kenpi
There are many ways to make Kenpi. People use different types of sweet potatoes. Sometimes, the sweet potato skin is left on. The amount of salt in the sugar mixture can also change the taste.
Flavor Variations
Other flavors can be added too. For example, some Kenpi has ginger. The sugar sauce can also be made in different ways. It can be a fudge-like glaze, a clear glaze, or even a caramel coating.
Since caramel can be used, many caramel flavors are possible. These might include cream, coffee, chocolate, or even different types of liquor. The goal is always to get a hard, sweet glaze. So, you could find a Kenpi with the peel on, flavored with ginger and caramel, and even a hint of brandy!
Kenpi and Your Health
Kenpi is a sweet snack. A 100-gram serving of Imo-kenpi has about 90 calories. To compare, a typical serving of American "French Fries" has around 141 calories.
See also
In Spanish: Kenpi para niños
