Since the discovery of Canned Azuki Beans at a local supermarket, my ‘Tsubu-an’ making has become very easy. Sweet Azuki Paste is available from Asian Grocery stores but they are quite pricey. Canned Azuki Beans are cheap. From 1 can, you can make about 1 cupful of Sweet Azuki Paste quickly and easily.

Makes

About 1 cup

Ingredients

1 can (400g) Azuki Beans *You get about 260g Azuki Beans from 1 can
1/3 cup Sugar *add extra 1-2 tablespoons if required
1 pinch Salt *if canned Azuki beans are not salted

Method
  1. Drain the canned Azuki Beans and taste a few beans. I often notice unpleasant bitterness. In that case, cook the beans in boiling water for a few minutes, then drain.
  2. *Note: Some canned Azuki Beans are firmly cooked. If Azuki Beans are not very soft, you need to boil until soft.
  3. Place drained Azuki Beans in a saucepan, add Sugar and Salt. Bring to the simmer over medium low heat, and cook, occasionally stirring with a wooden spoon, until thick and paste like texture is achieved.
  4. *Note: Making the paste from scratch using Dried Azuki Beans is not hard at all. Find the method here.