World Flavors Cookbook

Anko (Sweet Red Bean Paste)

The sweet soul of Japanese confection — azuki beans slow-cooked with sugar into a smooth or chunky paste used in mochi, dorayaki, and taiyaki.

Cuisine: Japan

Ingredients

• 250g dried azuki (red) beans
• 200g sugar
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Boil beans in water 5 minutes. Drain (removes bitterness). Cover with fresh water.
2. Simmer 1-1.5 hours until beans are very soft and easily crushed.
3. Add sugar gradually, stirring. Cook on low until thick and paste-like.
4. Add a pinch of salt to enhance sweetness.
5. For tsubuan (chunky): leave as is. For koshian (smooth): push through a sieve.
6. Cool completely. Use in mochi, dorayaki, daifuku, or eat with shaved ice.