860 minutes
This sweet red bean paste is a delightful filling perfect for buns and other pastries. It requires some time and patience, but the result is worth it.
Red Beans, dried
cups
Water, fresh
cups
cups
tablespoons
1. Soak the Red Beans
Place the red beans in a medium bowl and cover them with at least 2 inches of water. Let them soak overnight.
2. Cook the Red Beans
Drain the beans and transfer them to a medium pot. Add 1.5 cups of fresh water. Bring the water to a boil, then cover the pot, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the beans simmer for about 40 to 60 minutes, or until they become soft enough to be easily smashed.
3. Evaporate Excess Water
Once the beans are soft, uncover the pot and continue cooking over low heat until most of the water evaporates.
4. Mash the Beans
Mash the beans to your desired consistency. You can use a food processor for a smooth paste or a potato masher if you prefer a chunkier texture.
5. Add Sugar
Transfer the mashed beans to a large nonstick skillet set over medium-low heat. Add the sugar in three batches, stirring each time until it's fully dissolved.
6. Add Butter
Add the butter in two batches, stirring until it melts completely. Increase the heat to medium and cook the mixture for about 20 minutes, stirring continuously until the paste is thick and holds its shape.
7. Cool the Paste
Transfer the thickened paste to a bowl and let it cool slightly. Cover the bowl and allow the paste to cool for at least another hour.
Use adzuki beans for authentic sweet red bean paste. Look for beans that are uniform in size and bright in color, indicating freshness.
After combining beans and sugar, cook the mixture over low heat until thick enough to hold shape, stirring frequently.
Thoroughly rinse and soak adzuki beans for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to shorten cooking time and improve texture.
Simmer the soaked beans until they can be easily mashed, which may take over an hour depending on soak time.
For smooth paste, pass beans through a fine sieve; for rustic texture, use a potato masher or pulse in a food processor without over-processing.
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