Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet Azuki Soup with Dango?
It is a comforting Japanese dessert featuring chewy mochi dumplings in a warm, sweetened broth made from azuki beans.
What ingredients are needed for the azuki soup?
The main ingredients are azuki beans, sugar, salt, and mochiko (sweet rice flour).
How long should the azuki beans simmer?
The beans should simmer gently for about 2 hours until they are tender and soft.
What is the nickname for this dish?
Children often playfully call this dish 'eyeball soup' because of the appearance of the dango in the dark soup.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How many calories are in one serving of Sweet Azuki Soup?
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories.
Is this recipe low in fat?
Yes, each serving contains only 0.5g of fat.
How much sugar is in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar, resulting in 30g of sugar per serving.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are 5g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 37.5g of carbohydrates.
What is dango made of?
In this recipe, dango is made from mochiko (sweet rice flour) and water.
How do you shape the dango?
Pinch off small pieces of dough to form marble-sized balls and create a small indentation on one side.
How long do the dango dumplings take to cook?
They typically take about 5-7 minutes to cook in the boiling soup.
How do you know when the dango is done?
The dango are ready once they float to the surface of the soup.
What kind of flour is mochiko?
Mochiko is a type of sweet rice flour used to create chewy mochi-like textures.
Should the azuki beans be rinsed?
Yes, start by rinsing the beans under cold water and picking out any debris.
How much water is initially used to boil the beans?
You should start with 6 cups of water in a large pot.
What is the total water level needed for the soup phase?
The water level should be adjusted to reach a total of 5 cups before adding sugar.
How long do you simmer the soup after adding sugar?
Simmer for an additional 15 minutes after adding sugar and salt.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish is best enjoyed hot in warm individual bowls.
Can this recipe be included in a bento?
Yes, it is a whimsical addition to a bento box.
What is the origin of this dish?
It originates from ancient Japanese traditions.
Does this soup have any health claims?
According to tradition, this dish is said to have healing properties.
How much salt is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of regular table salt.
What type of sugar should I use?
The recipe specifies using granulated sugar.
How much mochiko is needed?
You will need 0.5 box (approximately 8 ounces) of mochiko.
What is the texture of dango?
Dango has a soft and chewy texture.
What is the primary bean used in this soup?
The soup is made using 1 cup of azuki beans.
Is the dango dough kneaded?
Yes, knead the mochiko and water mixture until it is smooth and pliable.
Is this considered a hearty dessert?
Yes, it is described as both hearty and comfort food.