Zenzai is a traditional Japanese sweets that I grew up with. Usually it is made with sweet azuki bean soup but the beauty of paring it up with Matcha is creating the perfect balance of sweetness and subtle bitterness.
What is Zenzai?
What is zenzai anyway? Zenzai is traditional Japanese sweets. Zenzai is basically sweet azuki bean soup with mochi rice cakes. Zenzai was often served after school cross country events in winter to cheer up students and restore their energy. I certainly just ran for this treat and I am not exaggerating. I think every runner was just lured with the sweet aroma from a distance away and knew where to go next after they cross the line.
Why add Matcha?
Usually azuki bean soup and mochi rice cakes is what makes Zenzai. I decided to replace the azuki bean soup with matcha syrup and added matcha jelly to make cold zenzai. But why paring up with Matcha? You probably already know what matcha is because there is upward trend in Matcha all over the world now. Adding matcha definitely boosts your antioxidants intake and it tastes yummy.
Hot or Cold?
Zenzai is a very versatile sweet in terms of temperature of the sweets. It can be eaten cold or hot, so basically matcha zenzai is just awesome because it accommodates everyone and suits any season and weather.
The easiest way to make mochi balls
If you are a Japanese food lover, you already know what mochi is. Mochi is rice cakes that is made by pounding sweet (mochi) rice. It’s not very complicated and if you have access to Shiratamako or Jyoshinnko, which are both rice flour, just add water or tofu, and small rice balls can be made easily.
If you liked my recipe for Matcha Zenzai, please rate it and leave a comment below. Also, don’t forget to follow me on Youtube, Pinterest, Facebook , Twitter and Instagram to keep up to date with all the latest happenings on Chopstick Chronicles. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #ChopstickChronicles so I can see your wonderful creations!
Check out my short trip to Japan on my Instagram 😀
- 2 g powdered gelatin
- 300 ml water
- 2 tbsp icing sugar
- 2 tbsp matcha powder
- 1 tbsp hot water
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp matcha
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- 250 ml hot water
- 1 can ready-made sweet azuki bean paste
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In a small cup, add the matcha powder and icing sugar. Whisk them together with a matcha bamboo whisk in order to avoid creating any lumps. *1
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Pour about 1 tbs of hot water and whisk them together vigorously to make a paste and set aside.
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Put the 300 ml of water and gelatine powder into a sauce pan and cook over medium heat.
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Once the gelatine has dissolved, add the matcha paste and mix them together.
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Remove from the heat and pour into a shallow container and allow it to cool down for a little while.
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Once it has cooled down, place it in the fridge to set at least 30 minutes.
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Put the glutinous rice flour into a bowl and gradually add a little amount of the water while stirring it all together until it becomes soft and formed.
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You may not need to use all the water, or may need to use more, just keep adding water until it becomes a firm but still soft consistency. *2
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Fill a large pot with water and bring it boil.
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Roll the mochi mixture into little balls and plop them into the boiling water.
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Once the mochi balls are cooked, they will rise to the surface of the water. Scoop them out and place them in a bowl of cold water.
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Drain out the cold water and divide the mochi balls into four serves in small bowls and set aside.
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Add the matcha and white sugar into a cup. Whisk them together with a bamboo whisk to avoid making lumps.
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Gradually add the hot water and stir together.
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Allow it to cool down and then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
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Assemble
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Take the jelly out of the fridge and cut it into small pieces and divide them into 4 bowls.
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Add mochi balls into the bowls.
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Top with sweet bean paste.
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Pour the matcha syrup over and kinako (soy bean powder) if you like *3
*1 If you are unable to find matcha bamboo whisk, use an ordinary whisk.
*2 I usually use same amount of silken tofu for more intense mochi texture.
*3 Kinako powder adds a nutty flavour, this is optional so if you can not find it, you can omit this.
*4 Cooking time includes setting the jelly and syrup in the fridge. Check the coagulant agency difference here (link).
Oh Shihoko, this is stunning! As if I didn’t love the taste of matcha on its own, I’m always so amazed at just how beautiful the color is! It never ceases to amaze me. This looks absolutely delicious and I can’ wait to give it try this summer! Looking forward to seeing your giveaway tomorrow 🙂
Thank you Kathleen 😀 Me too I love calm, subtle and deep Matcha green colour!!
What an amazing dessert – and totally new one for me. I love Matcha but haven’t cooked much with it. Would love to have a taste of this – don’t think I feel confident enough to make it!
Thank you so much Lucy 😀 It is very easy to make:D
This looks seriously delicious! Just look at the colors..! And your photos are so crisp and clear too!
Thank you Swayam 😀 Do you have Nagi Maehashi’s Photography Book? Definitely recommend:D
I’ve never tried Matcha! Beautiful pics!!
Thank you Felesha, Matcha is good for you, try it:D
Wow this looks amazing and I love the colors! 🙂
Thank you Wajeeha 😀 Me too.
This looks incredible! So colorful ! There is something about Matcha that I can never resist!
Thank you so much Sara 😀 I love this deep green colour too.
This looks sooo goooood. I’m also from Brisbane! I was just wondering where you get your azuki paste and mochi from? I work at a tea store so I have plenty of matcha and am definitely going to make your recipe!!! 🙂
Hi Abby, There are two Japanese grocery stores that I usually go. One is “Genki Mart” in Everton Park and another one is “Fuji Mart” in Buranda Village in Woolloongabba 😀
amazing thank you !
no problem, thank you!
How much tofu do you add to your mochi mix? The recipe doesn’t list tofu but your step by step pictures has it but it doesn’t have water? Is it either tofu or water then?
Your pictures are beautiful, btw. And the recipe looks so easy 💖
Ohhh Thank you Sarah, I will fix the recipe. I usually exactly same amount as flour. So if you use 100g flour, I use 100 g tofu, but some times need to add a little bit of water depends on water contend of the tofu you use. The dough should feel like same softness as your ear lobe.
Please see the recipe note. You can either use water or tofu. I usually use tofu for more intense mochi texture, but you can make it water only too.
I’m not sure if you remember me…I was the one asking if you could teach how to fold the bento box handkerchief. Just want to say, this blog is my favorite all time blog and I can’t wait to cook my way through it for my son (1 week old at the time but is turning 6 months next week) thank you for so generously sharing your knowledge and skills. I’m such a huge fan!!!! thank you again. Can’t wait to make this for my baby.
You are welcome Lucy san. Of course I remember you. That post was for you. Thank you for letting me know. I am glad that was helpful. Sharing and spread my love of Japanese food and culture is my blog mission 😀 If you want to know anything else, please let me know 😀 I am planning to share how to pack obento box soon. It should be ready by the time your son goes to school 😀 Stay tuned.