Kaiseki Zenzai Recipe

Inspired by Miku Vancouver

Time2h

Serves4

The first course in the Kaiseki experience, served on handcrafted Arita plates.

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Ingredients

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Sweetened Red Beans

1 cup Adzuki beans

4 cups Water

1 cup sugar

1 tsp Celtic sea salt

Rice Dumplings (Dango)

1 cup Sweet rice flour

1 cup Water

2 tbs sugar

Toppings & Garnishes

1 tsp matcha powder

2 tbs Roasted sesame seeds

5 leaves Mint leaves

Method

Prepare Sweetened Red Beans

Cook the Adzuki Beans

Rinse the adzuki beans under cold water. In a pot, combine the rinsed beans and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour until the beans are tender.

Sweeten the Beans

Once the beans are cooked, add sugar and salt. Stir well and simmer for another 15 minutes until the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.

Make Rice Dumplings (Dango)

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, mix sweet rice flour and sugar. Gradually add water and knead until a smooth dough forms.

Shape the Dumplings

Divide the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).

Cook the Dumplings

Boil a pot of water and drop the dumplings in. Cook until they float to the surface, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Assemble the Dish

Plate the Zenzai

In handcrafted Arita plates, spoon a generous amount of sweetened red beans. Top with rice dumplings and sprinkle with matcha powder and roasted sesame seeds. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.