Oshiruko – Candy Crimson Bean Soup

On this article, we’ll discover the historical past of oshiruko, its regional variations, and the fashionable strategies that proceed to make it a cherished deal with in the present day. Be a part of us as we delve deeper into this scrumptious dessert and uncover why oshiruko holds a particular place in Japanese delicacies

What’s Oshiruko?

Oshiruko (お汁粉) is a conventional Japanese candy soup constructed from azuki beans (crimson beans) and sugar, typically loved as a heat dessert in the course of the colder months. Locals usually served the soup with tender mochi (glutinous rice cake) or shiratama (small rice-flour dumplings). Within the Kanto area of Japan, all kinds of candy crimson bean soup are usually known as shiruko, no matter whether or not they’re made with easy, strained bean paste (koshian) or chunky bean paste (tsubuan). Nevertheless, there are particular names for every: gozen shiruko refers to shiruko made with easy bean paste, whereas inaka shiruko or ogura shiruko refers back to the model made with chunky bean paste.

Distinction between Zenzai and Oshiruko

The excellence between zenzai and oshiruko differs between the Kanto and Kansai areas of Japan. In Kanto, zenzai refers to a dessert with out a lot liquid, served with mochi or shiratama, whereas oshiruko is a candy soup with liquid. Oshiruko can additional be categorized into inaka shiruko (utilizing chunky crimson bean paste) or gozen shiruko (utilizing easy bean paste), with sq. mochi generally used. In distinction, in Kansai, zenzai is a thicker, bean-paste-based dessert with a touch of crimson bean paste, whereasshiruko is smoother and liquid-based. Kansai typically makes use of spherical mochi, highlighting a regional distinction in preparation and naming.

Reference: Tokyo Gasoline Residing Data Media

Oshiruko in Kansai vs Kanto space

The discrepancy within the nomenclature of shiruko between Kansai and Kanto might be attributed primarily to the divergence of their historic genesis and the mechanisms of dissemination.

The Kansai area first developed the dish often known as “Zenzai.” This dish advanced from “Jinzaimochi,” which individuals served on the “Jinzai Pageant” in Izumo in the course of the Muromachi interval (1336-1573). This dish consisted of rice truffles in a soup with candy bean paste. Subsequently, “Yoshiko” was accepted as a novel foodstuff launched from Edo. This dish, which employs using koshi-an (candy crimson bean paste), subsequently grew to become distinguished from the extant “Zenzai” selection, characterised by the presence of grains of crimson bean paste.

In the meantime, Yoshiko emerged within the Kanto area in the course of the mid-Edo interval. The preparation of “shiruko” concerned the incorporation of dumplings right into a soup base comprising boiled azuki bean flour and sugar. Throughout the late Edo interval, retailers opened specialised shiruko retailers and provided two distinct styles of this dish: “inaka shiruko” (crimson bean paste) and “gozen shiruko” (sweetened crimson bean paste). Folks within the Kanto area name each sorts “oshiruko,” and distinguish them by their sweetness ranges.In distinction, within the Kansai area,

it was essential to differentiate between the present “zenzai” and the newly launched “oshiruko.” Within the Kanto area, each grew to become widespread concurrently, ensuing within the distinction in terminology. These regional variations replicate the differing methods wherein meals tradition unfold and was accepted in every area.

Oshiruko Historical past

Historic data hint the origin of oshiruko again to the Edo interval, when it was based mostly on a dish known as susuri dango. Rice makers created susuri dango by mixing glutinous and non-glutinous rice, boiling it in powdered crimson bean soup, seasoning it with salt, and topping it with white sugar – a uncommon luxurious throughout that interval. Folks loved this dish not as a candy deal with however as a aspect dish with alcohol. The salty taste of susuri dango advanced into what we all know as oshiruko in the present day. Many individuals nonetheless add a pinch of salt to oshiruko to boost its sweetness, carrying ahead the custom of mixing candy and salty flavors.

古典料理の研究（八）:寛永十三年「料理物語」について」著： 松下幸子 他多数

FAQ

What is exclusive about oshiruko in comparison with different wagashi?

Oshiruko is exclusive in that it’s served heat, whereas most Japanese sweets are served at room temperature or chilly. It’s particularly widespread in the course of the chilly season.

What are some examples of Oshiruko substances?

The commonest ingredient is rice cake, typically with baked rice cake or white dumplings.

Oshiruko Recipe

Really useful Oshiruko Eating places

Toraya Karyo (虎屋菓寮 赤坂本店)

There are three kinds of candy crimson bean soup accessible: “Gozen Shiruko” with a easy bean paste, “Ogura Shiruko” which lets you style the feel of azuki beans, and “Shiro Ogura” which makes use of white azuki beans, that are delicate and troublesome to develop, and permits you to benefit from the distinctive taste of the white azuki beans. You may select the one which fits your style. 

Tackle: 4-9-22 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo Toraya Akasaka Foremost Retailer, 1st basement ground
Cellphone quantity: 03-3408-4121
Hours open: 8:30-19:00
Web site: https://www.toraya-group.co.jp/toraya/

Takeaway

We hope this text has helped you perceive extra about oshiruko and its significance. If you happen to ever end up in Japan, we encourage you to do this heat, candy soup and expertise its comforting style for your self!

Amongst all heat dishes in Japan, you too can check out different Japanese heat dishes throughout this colder seasons. We advocate the dishes beneath!