Traditional Japanese Shiruko (Sweet Red Bean Soup) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of Azuki beans
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 2 cups of water
  • 5 Mochi (rice cakes)
  • Pinch of salt

Steps and instructions

  1. Rinse the azuki beans under cold water.
  2. Place the beans in a pot, add the water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer.
  3. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed. Continue to cook until the beans become very tender and start to break apart.
  4. Add the sugar and a pinch of salt to the pot and stir until well combined.
  5. Heat the mochi in a toaster oven or microwave until it becomes soft and puffy.
  6. Divide the azuki bean soup into bowls, add the heated mochi, and serve.

Tools for making

  • Pot - Needed to cook the azuki beans and simmer them with sugar.
  • Toaster Oven or Microwave - Used to warm up the mochi rice cakes.
  • Bowls - To serve the Shiruko.
  • Spoon - Used for stirring the azuki beans and serving the Shiruko.

Recipe variations

  • Adding a teaspoon of matcha powder to the azuki bean soup for a green tea flavor.
  • Using honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetener.
  • Adding a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the azuki bean soup.
  • Serving the shiruko with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a creamy twist.
  • Using different types of beans such as black beans or kidney beans instead of azuki beans.
  • Adding cooked rice or glutinous rice balls (dango) to the shiruko for added texture.
  • Garnishing with toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts for a crunchy element.

Recipe overview

Shiruko, also known as sweet red bean soup, is a traditional Japanese dessert that's warming and comforting. This recipe offers a simple way to make your own authentic shiruko at home, featuring a sweet, velvety azuki bean soup served with soft, chewy mochi (rice cakes). Though it requires a few steps and some patience, the process is quite straightforward. The end result is a beautifully balanced dessert, full of subtle sweetness and intriguing textures, that's particularly delightful on a cold day. Making shiruko can be a rewarding experience, and enjoying the finished product is even better!

Common questions

  1. Can I use canned azuki beans instead of dried? Yes, you can use canned azuki beans instead of dried. Simply drain and rinse the canned beans before using.
  2. How long does it take to cook the azuki beans? It usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to cook the azuki beans until they become tender and start to break apart.
  3. Can I use a different type of rice cake instead of mochi? Traditionally, shiruko is served with mochi, but you can experiment with different types of rice cakes if you prefer.
  4. Can I adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe? Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste. Start with the suggested amount and add more if desired.
  5. Can I make shiruko in advance and reheat it? Shiruko is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it in advance and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pot - A pot is needed to cook the azuki beans and make the bean soup.
  • Toaster oven or Microwave - Either a toaster oven or microwave can be used to heat the mochi rice cakes.
  • Bowls - Bowls are required to serve the Shiruko soup.
  • Spoon - A spoon is needed to stir the azuki beans and sugar while cooking.

Origin stories

Shiruko, a traditional Japanese dessert, traces its origins back to the Heian period (794 - 1185), a time of cultural enlightenment in Japan. It's a sweet soup made primarily from azuki beans, a crop well-loved and cultivated throughout East Asia. Over time, shiruko has evolved and become a comforting treat, especially in the winter months. The addition of mochi, a type of rice cake, makes this dessert a delightful balance of textures, with the gentle soup contrasting with the chewy mochi. Shiruko is often associated with a sense of nostalgia, reminding many in Japan of home, family gatherings, and simpler, quieter times. The simmering of azuki beans and the puffing of mochi rice cakes paint a picture of Japanese households, where time seems to slow down to appreciate the subtlety and depth of flavors, reflecting the country's enduring reverence for its culinary heritage.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.