Dessert

Red Bean Paste

红豆沙hóng dòu shā

Ingredients

7 oz azuki beans

1/2 cup sugar

2 tbsp coconut oil

Boil Azuki Beans

  1. Rinse the azuki beans under cold water.

  2. Transfer to a large pot and add enough water such that it covers the beans by 1-2 inches.

  3. Heat the pot over medium-high heat.

  4. Once the water boils, drain the beans, return them to the pot, and again, add enough water to cover the beans by 1-2 inches.

  5. Once the water boils again, cover the pot, and turn down the heat to medium-low heat.

  6. Let simmer for about an hour. Check on it every ~20 minutes or so to add more water and keep the beans fully submerged under the water.

  7. After an hour, check to see if a bean mashes easily with a spoon. If it does, they're ready!

Make Red Bean Paste

  1. Drain the azuki beans, but save 1/2 cup of the liquid.

  2. Transfer the beans to a blender or food processor. Add 2 tbsp of the liquid and blend. Add more if it's too dry and isn't turning into a smooth paste.

  3. Get it to the consistency you want, and then transfer back to your pot.

  4. Turn the heat to medium-low, and add half the sugar and coconut oil.

  5. Stir until the sugar and coconut oil is dissolved, taste, and then add the rest of the sugar to your sweetness preference.

  6. Stir until everything is fully mixed and the paste is nice and thick.

  7. Cover and store in the freezer for an hour or until the paste is hard.