Zenzai - Sweet Red Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) azuki beans 1 cup (200g) azuki beans
• 6 cups (1.4L) water 6 cups (1.4L) water
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Mochi (glutinous rice cakes), for serving Mochi (glutinous rice cakes), for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 300 kcal / 1255 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 75g, 50g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 0.25g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the azuki beans under cold water and drain.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, combine the azuki beans and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. 3.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer the beans for 1 hour, or until they are tender and easily mashed with a fork.
4. 4.
   Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to the pot. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
5. 5.
   Continue to simmer the mixture for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. 6.
   Remove the pot from the heat and let the zenzai cool slightly.
7. 7.
   Serve the zenzai warm in bowls, topped with a piece of mochi.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Azuki beans — Make sure to rinse the beans thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities.
• Mochi — If you can't find mochi, you can substitute it with small pieces of sweet rice cake or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a modern twist.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the cooked beans before adding the sugar and vanilla extract.
• If you prefer a sweeter soup, you can adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste.
• Zenzai can be enjoyed both warm and chilled, so feel free to refrigerate any leftovers for a refreshing dessert.

Serving advice

Serve zenzai in individual bowls, ensuring each serving has a generous amount of beans and soup. Place a piece of mochi on top of each bowl and allow it to slightly soften in the warm soup before eating.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can garnish the zenzai with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of honey. The vibrant red color of the soup against the white mochi creates a visually appealing contrast.