Red Bean Paste
Made from azuki beans, sweet red bean paste is used in Sesame Seed Balls and Sweet Bean Paste Pancakes.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2/3 cup dried red beans
- Water for boiling
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup oil for frying
PREPARATION:
Wash the beans and throw out any that are damaged. Place the beans in a small to medium-sized saucepan, cover with water and soak overnight. (This helps shorten the cooking time).
The next day, bring the beans and water to a boil. Simmer for 1 1/2 - 2 hours, until the beans have softened, adding more water as necessary. Drain.
Process the beans in a blender until smooth. Remove from the blender, and stir in the sugar.
Heat the oil in a wok or frying pan. Fry the beans on medium-low heat (about 4 on an electric stove) for a few minutes until they are dry, pressing them gently with the back of a spatula to form a paste.
Cool and use as called for in the recipe. (Stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, homemade sweet red bean paste will last for approximately one week).
Yield: 1 3/4 cups
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