Sweet Bean Paste (Whole) :: Tsubuan

This version of bean paste, also known as ogura-an, uses the whole bean, skin and all, to make this deliciously sticky and sweet jam-like paste, great for desserts and cakes. For a skinless version, see koshian.

Ingredients

400g tinned azuki beans (in water, no added sugar or salt), drained 120g caster sugar (one part sugar to two parts beans)
a pinch of salt

Methods/steps

Place the entire contents of the can in a pan, and sprinkle the caster sugar on top. Heat on a medium flame.
Once the sugar has dissolved, turn to a low flame and simmer gently, until all the liquid in the pan has evaporated, stirring occasionally.
Remove the pan from the heat, and add a pinch of salt. Arrange on a shallow plate and allow to cool.

Additional Tips

You can find tinned azuki (sometimes aduki) beans at health food stores and most supermarkets.