Okinawan Zenzai
A cool and delicious summer treat from Okinawa

About Okinawan Zenzai

Okinawan Zenzai (沖縄ぜんざい, Okinawa zenzai) is a delightful dessert made by chilling sweetened kidney beans, cooked with brown sugar, along with their syrup. These are served in a bowl topped with soft mochi dumplings and fluffy shaved ice. In Okinawa, it's often said that "summer is all about zenzai."

Depending on the store or menu, extra white mochi balls may be added. The practice of topping zenzai with shaved ice is a relatively recent addition. This refreshing sweet is said to be a variation of "Amagashi," another traditional dessert made with barley and white mochi served cool.

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