Zensai (sweet red bean porridge with mochi balls)

1 package tsubushi an (red bean paste with skin)

1 package koshi an (smooth red bean paste; no skin)

4 cups water

---

1 cup Mochiko (sweet rice flour)

1 tablespoon sugar

1 pinch salt

1/2 cup hot water

Put red bean pastes and 4 c water in a pot over medium heat until simmering.  Be careful not to make the heat too high or the pot may overflow!  Stir every so often, until pastes dissolve.

*The pastes I got were already sweetened but if yours are not, you may want to add sugar to taste.

Mix dry ingredients (Mochiko, sugar, salt), and slowly add hot water (a little at a time) while mixing with wooden spoon.  Then use your hand to knead the dough.  Wrap in plastic wrap for a little while (5-10 mins), then powder your hands and a plate with dry Mochiko and start making little balls, about 1 cm-1" in diameter.  Put the balls on the powdered plate as you finish.  This way they won't stick together.

Add mochi balls to red bean+water mixture and simmer til the balls are floating.  If you let it sit for a little while, the mixture should thicken a bit.