Traditional Japanese Zenzai Recipe: A Sweet Red Bean Soup Dessert

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of azuki beans
  • 3 cups of water
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 6 mochi (rice cakes)

Steps and instructions

  1. Rinse the azuki beans under cold water.
  2. Add the beans and water to a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Add more water if necessary during cooking.
  4. Add the sugar and salt to the pot and stir until dissolved.
  5. In a separate pot, boil the mochi until they float to the top, this should take about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Drain the mochi and add them to the azuki bean soup.
  7. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
  8. Serve warm, making sure to include a few mochi in each bowl.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - Needed to cook the azuki beans and create the soup.
  • Separate pot - Used to boil the mochi rice cakes.
  • Stirring spoon - Essential for stirring the beans, sugar, and salt together.

Recipe variations

  • Replace azuki beans with white beans or kidney beans for a different flavor.
  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a cinnamon stick to the soup for added flavor.
  • Top the zenzai with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy twist.
  • Swap the mochi for shiratama dango (sweet rice dumplings) or warabi mochi.
  • Add cooked sweet potatoes or chestnuts to the zenzai for extra texture.
  • For a vegan version, use a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar instead of sugar.
  • Add a splash of green tea or matcha powder to the soup for a unique twist.
  • Create a zenzai parfait by layering zenzai, whipped cream, and crushed cookies or nuts in a glass.

Recipe overview

Zenzai, also known as Oshiruko, is a traditional Japanese sweet soup made from azuki beans and mochi (rice cakes). This recipe will guide you step-by-step through the process of preparing this warm, comforting dessert. After simmering the beans until tender and sweetening them with sugar, you will boil the mochi until they float and add them to the soup. The resulting dish is a sweet, creamy soup with chewy mochi, a perfect dessert for cold winter days. This recipe serves up to 6 people and takes about 2.5 hours to prepare and cook, but the delicious outcome is well worth the time invested. Enjoy this traditional Japanese dessert and experience a taste of Japan's rich culinary heritage.

Common questions

  1. Can I use canned azuki beans instead of dried? Yes, you can use canned azuki beans for a quicker version of this recipe. Just make sure to drain and rinse the canned beans before using them.
  2. Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar? Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar if you prefer. Keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different.
  3. Can I make the mochi from scratch? Absolutely! If you have the time and ingredients, you can make homemade mochi. Just follow a mochi recipe and shape it into small rice cakes before adding them to the soup.
  4. Can I make zenzai ahead of time? Zenzai is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the azuki bean soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat the soup and add the mochi just before serving.
  5. Can I freeze zenzai? It is not recommended to freeze zenzai as the texture of the mochi may change upon thawing. It is best to consume it immediately or refrigerate for a short period of time.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - Needed for boiling the azuki beans and simmering the soup.
  • Separate pot - Used for boiling the mochi rice cakes.
  • Spoon - Essential for stirring the azuki beans, sugar, and salt.
  • Strainer - Helpful for rinsing the azuki beans before cooking.
  • Bowl - Used for serving the zenzai soup.
  • Ladle - Ideal for scooping and serving the zenzai soup into bowls.
  • Mochi paddle - Optional, but useful for handling and transferring the mochi rice cakes.

Origin stories

Zenzai, a comforting and sweet red bean soup with mochi, hails from Japan and holds a special place in the country's traditional culinary lineup. The dish is particularly cherished during the cold winter months, as it is believed to bring warmth and good fortune. Interestingly, Zenzai has roots in Buddhist tradition. During the Heian period (794-1185), Buddhist temples used to serve a similar dish called "zenzai" to their visitors. The name, literally translating to "good luck dish", was a homophone for another word that meant "all the sins of mankind". It's said that monks humorously offered the sweet concoction to their visitors with the playful notion of making their sins disappear. Today, Zenzai serves as a sweet symbol of Japan's rich history and cultural traditions.

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.