’Tsubu-an’ (Sweet Azuki Paste) is the most popular ‘An’ (Bean Paste). Canned Tsubu-an, that contains a lot of sugar and additives, is available from most Japanese or Asian grocery stores, but they are pricey. ‘Tsubu-an’ is very easy to make at home. If you have never made it before, try it just once. You will never wish to buy it again. *Note: Using Canned Azuki Beans, it would be even easier to make. Find the recipe ‘Tsubu-an from Canned Azuki’.

Makes

About 400g

Ingredients

1 cup (*200g) Dry Azuki Beans (Red Beans) 
1 cup Sugar
1 pinch of Salt

Method
  1. Place Azuki beans in a large saucepan or a pot and cover them with a plenty of water, and cook until the beans are swollen and plump. Drain the water, so that the unpleasant bitter taste can be removed.
  2. *Note: Soaking the beans in water overnight saves cooking time, but not necessary.
  3. Place the beans back into the saucepan and cover them with plenty of water again, and cook until the beans are very soft. Drain the water.
  4. Place the beans back into the saucepan, add Sugar and Salt, and cook and mash slightly until it gets the texture. If you like it sweeter, add more Sugar.
  5. *Note: Using Canned Azuki Beans, it would be even easier to make. Find the recipe ‘Tsubu-an from Canned Azuki’.