Adzuki beans are a variety of beans which is known for their nutritional value. These reddish brown, nutty flavored beans form an integral part of the Asian menu, specially in the Chinese and Japanese cuisines. From starters to soups to the main course, Adzuki beans can be used in several dishes. You can also use them as a side dish with other vegetables and meat by steaming them.
Adzuki beans are also used as a filling for the well known dim-sums, which are also healthy. They are also grounded to make a paste and used in Chinese and Japanese cakes, pastries, and other desserts. The advantage in using these beans is that they are mild on your stomach and do not create unwanted gas and other digestive problems. So make the best use of adzuki beans and learn how to cook them by reading the steps given below.
Complexity Level: Basic
Time required: 50- 60 minutes
Estimated cost: $1-$2
Resources Required:
- One tablespoon olive oil, a little extra for brushing
- One medium onion, peeled and chopped
- Two garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- One small squash, peeled and crushed
- One large carrot, peeled and diced
- One celery rib, trimmed and sliced
- Two cups of water
- One teaspoon of bouillon
- Five 3/4 ounces cooked adzuki beans
- Ten little cornstarch or arrowroot
- One tablespoon cold water, to make smooth paste
- One large sweet potato, cut into 1/8-inch slices
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven:
Before starting preparing the adzuki beans, ensure that the oven is preheated. Once it is heated, it will take no time in completing the dish.
2. Cook the beans:
Adzuki beans, the main ingredient of the recipe, are to be sauteed now. Do not fry them, but just saute in a little oil and add very little water to it so that thereâs some moisture into it.
3. Add the vegetables:
Now take another pan, a nonstick, preferably, so that your veggies donât burn. Pour a little oil and when it gets heated, add chopped onions and garlic. After the color of onions changes to light golden brown, add in the diced carrots, celery, and squash. Keep stirring regularly so that they all mix well. Allow the vegetables to simmer so that they are done well.
4. Pour water:
Now pour water to this pan and stir. Add in the bouillon powder, and stir again. Maintain a high flame and when it comes to a boil, simmer for about 10 minutes with the lid on.
5.Allow the gravy to thicken:
After 10 minutes, add the adzuki beans to the pan and stir again. You now have to ensure that the mixture thickens. Add the cornstarch or arrowroot mixture to this. Keep stirring well till it reaches the consistency you need.
6.Transfer contents to baking dish and bake
When its done, transfer all the contents to a baking dish. Slice your sweet potatoes and arrange them the way you want it over the veggie and bean mixture you have prepared. Brush a little oil or even butter; the latter will taste better, and bake for about 30 minutes. After half-an-hour, check if the potatoes are done, this indicates if your dish is ready.
Frequently asked questions:
How can we store Adzuki beans?
Store your beans in an air-tight container. Make sure the place where you keep the container is cool and dark.
Quick Tips:
- Like any other beans, if you can soak these beans overnight, it will help them cook better and faster.
- Alternatively, a cooker can boil the beans quicker if you are in a hurry.
Things to watch out for:
- If using a pressure cooker, make sure you donât overcook the beans.
- If you plan to soak the beans overnight, ensure that the water is not salty as the same would hamper the beans to soak water.
