Sweet Adzuki Bean Paste

Photo: Down to Earth Recipes
Called "anko" in Japanese, this sweetened red bean paste is used in all kinds of desserts.
Yield
4-5 cups
Desserts
Ingredients
  • 2 cups dried adzuki beans, soaked overnight or for 8-12 hours
  • 1/2 - 1 cup granulated sugar (to taste) or liquid sweetener (honey, brown rice syrup, agave, etc)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
  1. Rinse beans. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Remove pot from heat and pour out the water (this removes much of the bitterness).
  2. Add more water until beans are covered by an inch. Bring to a boil and turn down heat to a simmer. Cook for 50 minutes to 1 hour, until beans are tender.
  3. Add sugar and salt to taste. Allow beans to cool down to room temperature.
  4. For a smooth texture, puree mixture in a food processor. Alternatively, leave the mixture chunky.