Celebrate the Japanese New Year with a Sweet and Savory Tradition
Discover the Flavors of Zensai
As the Japanese New Year’s celebration approaches, many are preparing to indulge in traditional dishes that bring good fortune and joy. One such dish is Zensai, a sweet and savory bean-and-mochi porridge that’s a staple of the New Year’s menu. This year, EN Japanese Brasserie in New York is featuring its own version of Zensai, and we’re excited to share the recipe with you.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup dried adzuki beans
- 1 2/3 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 Basic Savory Mochi (Age Mochi), cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
Preparing the Adzuki Beans
Begin by placing the adzuki beans in a medium pot, covering them with cold water by about 2 inches. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the beans are cooked through, about 55 to 60 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they mash easily between your fingers.
Creating the Sweet and Savory Porridge
Once the beans are cooked, drain them through a fine mesh strainer and rinse out the pot. Return the pot to the stove and add the cooked beans, water, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the cooking liquid has thickened slightly, about 15 minutes. Finally, stir in the mochi slices and heat through until they’re well coated.
Serving and Enjoying
Your Zensai is now ready to be served! This sweet and savory porridge is typically served as part of the Japanese New Year’s celebration, but it can be enjoyed at any time of the year. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Recipe Details
- Yield: 4 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Active Time: 15 minutes
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