Dessert

Zenzai (Sweet Red Bean Soup)

Name: Zenzai (Sweet Red Bean Soup)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: japanese
Ingredients: 200 g adzuki bean dried; 1,000 ml water; 100 g granulated sugar; 0.5 tsp salt; 4 pcs mochi pre-made, plain

Zenzai is a classic Japanese dessert soup featuring sweet adzuki beans and chewy mochi. This vegan version is comforting and satisfying, perfect for a gentle sweet treat.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 1 hr 45 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium

Mise en place

Ingredients

200 gadzuki bean, dried
1,000 mlwater
100 ggranulated sugar
0.5 tspsalt
4 pcsmochi, pre-made, plain

Equipment

toaster oven · strainer · ladle · large pot · serving bowls · small pot

The method

Step by step

1
Rinse the adzuki beans thoroughly under cold running water.
About 2 min
2
Place the rinsed beans in a large pot and add cold water to cover by about 5 cm. Bring to a boil over high heat.
About 10 min
3
Once boiling, immediately drain the water and rinse the beans again. This initial boil helps remove bitterness.
About 2 min
4
Return the beans to the pot and add the fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 60-90 minutes, or until the beans are very tender and can be easily mashed.
About 1 hr 15 min
Cook’s note: The cooking time can vary greatly depending on the age of the beans. Check for tenderness regularly.
5
Once the beans are tender, stir in the granulated sugar and salt. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the soup has slightly thickened.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
6
While the beans are simmering, prepare the mochi. You can either toast them in a toaster oven until puffed and slightly golden, or boil them in a separate pot of water until soft and chewy, about 3-5 minutes.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Toasting gives a slightly crisper texture, while boiling results in a softer, chewier mochi.
7
Ladle the hot zenzai into individual serving bowls and top each with one or two pieces of prepared mochi.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Serve immediately while the mochi is still soft and warm.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover zenzai (without mochi) in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Gently reheat zenzai on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it's too thick. Prepare fresh mochi when serving.