Today I will get a prescription for combatáis the intense cold of these days. This is a sweet soup called Zenzai, and would be something like our version of hot chocolate were formerly the Japanese. This dish consists of Azuki Red Bean, water and sugar.

Although this soup is taken throughout Japan, is originally from Kansai and Oshiruko in the Kanto region.

There is a legend that tells the origin of Zenzai. Formerly the Gods gathered to discuss their issues in a special Summit being held all the Octobers of each year in the Grand Shrine of the Province of Shimane. During their meeting the Gods enjoying this hot soup that accompanied the Zinzai Mochi (Mochi of the Gods).
To celebrate this extraordinary occasion the inhabitants of the area prepared this dish in honor of the Gods. The recipe came to Kyoto and from there it spread all over Japan and eventually the word Zinzai, derive the current Zenzai.

Zenzai traditionally eaten with pickles, to accentuate the sweet taste and can be taken as a single dish or dessert.

Then the Soup Recipe Sweet Zenzai;

Ingredients for 2 people;

Mochi 2
Tsubu-an (Anko) 210g.
Salt
1 Bake the Mochi careful not to burn and until it is swollen.
2 Insert the Tsubu-an (Anko) and 170ml. water in the saucepan and cook over medium heat until boiling.
3 Reduce heat and add a pinch of salt. Try it, put the Mochi baking and cooking for a minute.
4 Divide each bowl and serve.

JaponPop ^ _ ^

Photos by: noc

One of the most typical Japanese sweets is definitely on the Mitarashi Dango.

Mochi is one that is covered and filled with a delicious molasses made with Soy Sauce, Sugar and Starch. There is a variety native to Hokkaido which is made ​​from potato flour and baked with shoyu ( soy sauce ).

But the most fascinating Mitarashi Dango is the story of its origin. An old story tells how an Emperor before entering the Temple washed his hands in the Rio Mitarashi suddenly the crystal waters of the river came a bubble that preceded the four. It is assumed that this story fascinated the Japanese of the time and came a sweet to commemorate the Mitarashi Dango.

The truth is that this delicious and if you have not had a chance to prove you can do it now by clicking here. >. <

JaponPop ^ _ ^

Photos: foxxyz , frizzlechicken, jpellgen , goodthings