In the Wano Country Arc of One Piece, the story unfolds in a land inspired by the Edo period, known as Wano Country. There’s a heartwarming scene where the memory-impaired Big Mom is amazed by the deliciousness of a soup called oshiruko by a villager. Readers from outside Japan might not be familiar with this dish. In this article, I’ll explore what oshiruko is and I will teach you a method that can be used even by people living in countries where it’s difficult to obtain the ingredients.
What Is Oshiruko?
Oshiruko is a sweet soup made by boiling red azuki beans with water and adding sugar. It’s served with roasted rice cakes (mochi) on top and is a popular winter treat in Japan, cherished especially by the elderly. It’s a part of the good old days of Japanese sweets.
How to cook Oshiruko
Oshiruko is a traditional Japanese sweet that is often made with a base ingredient called “azuki,” which is a red bean commonly used in Japan. In Japan, it is common to buy canned boiled azuki beans to use in making oshiruko. However, obtaining these canned beans might be challenging outside of Japan, especially if Japanese grocery stores are not readily available nearby. Therefore, here, I will introduce a method to make oshiruko from scratch, starting with the beans.
Following recipe is based on the below link. (Japanese website to cook Oshiruko)
https://delishkitchen.tv/recipes/269409412999807358
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- Azuki beans (150g): If unavailable, red, white, or black kidney beans, chickpeas, or lentils can be substituted. Opt for beans that resemble the color of azuki beans for a similar appearance with Oshiruko.
- Sugar (120g)
- Water (1000cc)
- Cut rice cakes (4 pieces) (optional, for topping the oshiruko)
Instructions
- Rinse the azuki beans thoroughly and drain off excess water.
- Place the azuki beans in a pot and add plenty of water (amount not specified, use a sufficient quantity to cover the beans). Bring it to a boil over medium heat and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. Strain the beans and drain off the water.
- Return the strained beans to the pot, add water (1000cc), and heat over medium heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes or until the azuki beans become soft.
- Add sugar and gently mix. Cover again and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and adjust the thickness according to your preference, stirring gently to remove any scum.
- Toast the rice cakes in a toaster and place them in the oshiruko before serving.
Enjoy your homemade oshiruko, and experience the warmth of this traditional Japanese dessert, just like Big Mom did!
