5 from 4 votes
Matcha Zenzai
Matcha Zenzai is a traditional Japanese dessert that combines sweet red bean paste, shiratama dango, and matcha tea. It balances well with both sweet and bitter flavors, making it a delicious and delightful dessert that is served perfectly for all seasons.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Servings:
2
people
Calories:
427 kcal
Course:
Dessert
Cuisine:
Japanese
Ingredients
Shiratama Dango (Glutinous Rice Flour Dumplings)
- 1/2 cup glutinous rice flour makes 12 pieces glutinous rice flour dumplings, or Shiratamako, 60 grams
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 4 1/2 tablespoons water lukewarm
Matcha Tea and Sweet Red Bean
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup water hot
- 6 ounces sweet red bean paste canned, aka anko, or sweet red bean soup, 175 grams
Instructions
- Prepare the shiratama dango by combining glutinous rice flour and sugar in a bowl. Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring continuously until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into a smooth ball with your palms. Flatten it on a working surface and divide it into 12 even pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and set aside.
- Fill a saucepan with enough water to cover the dango and bring it to a boil. Add the shiratama dango and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they start to float. Drain the dango and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool.
- To make the matcha tea, combine matcha powder and sugar in a bowl. Pour in the hot water and whisk with a bamboo whisk until well combined and free of lumps.
- To assemble the matcha zenzai, divide the prepared ingredients into two portions. In each serving bowl, add a portion of sweet red bean paste and top with shiratama dango. Pour the matcha tea over the dango and red bean paste, then finish with an additional spoonful of sweet red bean paste on top.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Recipe Adapted from: Just One Cookbook
- When making the shiratama dango, aim for a smooth and soft dough. Add water gradually to achieve the right consistency, and ensure the dango balls are evenly shaped.
- Choose a high-quality matcha powder for a vibrant color and rich flavor. Also, adjust the sugar level in matcha tea according to your liking before assembling the zenzai with red bean paste.
- You may also make your own sweet red bean paste or soup, and add it to the matcha zenzai instead of using the store-bought ones.
Nutrition Information
Serving
2people
Calories
427kcal
(21%)
Carbohydrates
92g
(31%)
Protein
10g
(20%)
Fat
1g
(2%)
Saturated Fat
0.2g
(1%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.1g
(1%)
Monounsaturated Fat
0.2g
(1%)
Sodium
8mg
(0%)
Potassium
31mg
(1%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
48g
(96%)
Vitamin A
375IU
(8%)
Calcium
25mg
(3%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 2 people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 427
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2people | |
| Calories | 427kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 92g | 31% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2g | 1% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.2g | 1% |
| Sodium | 8mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 31mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 48g | 96% |
| Vitamin A | 375IU | 8% |
| Calcium | 25mg | 3% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.