‘Tsubu-an’, sweet Azuki (Red Bean) paste, is very popular in many Asian countries. As it is sometimes called Azuki Bean Jam, it is made with a lot of Sugar. This ‘Dates & Azuki Paste’ is only sweetened with Dates. You can add some Sugar to make it sweeter, but you wouldn’t need a lot. This is a very natural and healthy alternative.
Makes
About 400g
Ingredients
100g (*1/2 cup) Dry Azuki Beans (Red Beans)
100g Pitted Dates *finely OR coarsely chopped
1 pinch Salt
Additional Sugar *optional
Method
- Place Azuki Beans in a saucepan and cover with a plenty of water, and bring to the boil. Cook for 10 minutes, then drain and discard the slightly coloured water. This is done to remove the unpleasant bitter taste.
- *Note: Soaking the beans in water overnight saves cooking time, but not necessary.
- Place the beans back into the saucepan and cover them with plenty of water again, and cook until the beans are soft.
- Discard some water, so that the water is just enough to cover the Red Beans. Add chopped Dates and Salt, and cook, mashing slightly, until it gets the desired texture. If you like it sweeter, add some Sugar.
- *Note: You can use this paste just like ordinary Sweet Azuki Paste. One of my favourite ways to enjoy it is spreading it on a toast with butter.
Comments
Kathryn
14/11/2025
Hi Hiroko,
If you were making this dish using tinned azuki beans that have already been cooked, how much would you use in this recipe?
Hiroko
14/11/2025
Hi Kathryn. The ratio of the ingredients is just a suggestion. I would use a can (400g) Azuki, from which you would have about 250g, and alter the amount of Dates and Sugar. I have found canned Azuki has unpleasant bitter taste. I recommend to boil them for a few minutes first and discard the water, then add fresh water just enough to cover, and add chopped Dates. The amount of Sugar and Salt depends on your preference.