Zenzai or Oshiruko
Zenzai or Oshiruko is a traditional Japanese sweet soup, typically enjoyed warm during colder months. It features soft, slow-cooked azuki (red) beans in a sweet, clear or slightly thickened broth, often served with mochi (rice cakes) or shiratama (glutinous rice dumplings). The dish is a staple in Japanese cuisine, particularly during New Year celebrations and winter festivals.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in carbohydrates due to the sweetened beans and added mochi, providing a quick energy boost. It offers a good source of plant-based protein and fiber from the azuki beans, with a typical serving containing around 200-300 calories depending on sweetness and portion size.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 4.5 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 0.5 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 30 g |
| Sodium | 15 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Iron | 2.0 mg |
| Magnesium | 55 mg |
| Phosphorus | 80 mg |
| Copper | 0.3 mg |
| Manganese | 0.6 mg |
| Zinc | 0.8 mg |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.15 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Zenzai is deeply tied to Japanese winter traditions and is often enjoyed during Setsubun or New Year's for good luck. Nutritionally, azuki beans are prized in East Asian diets for their high antioxidant content and are believed to support heart health and digestion.
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AI estimate may be inaccurate · Terms