Silky Sweet Azuki Bean Paste From Scratch

Have you ever tasted a dessert with a wonderfully sweet, nutty, and velvety filling and wondered what that magical ingredient was? Chances are, it was red bean paste! This staple of many delightful Asian sweets is a game-changer, and making it yourself is one of the most rewarding kitchen projects you can tackle. While it does require a few hours and a bit of patience, the process is surprisingly straightforward. The result is a beautifully smooth, fragrant paste with a deep, complex sweetness that store-bought versions simply can’t match. Forget any additives or preservatives; this recipe gives you pure, delicious red bean goodness, perfect for elevating your homemade pastries, buns, and desserts. Before you begin your culinary adventure, let’s gather the ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using just a handful of core components. You can adjust the sweetness to your personal preference, which is the best part about making it from scratch! Ingredients: 1 cup (about 200g) Dried Adzuki Beans: These are small, reddish-brown beans. You can find them in most Asian markets or in the international aisle of larger supermarkets. If you absolutely cannot find them, you could try using red kidney beans, but please note the flavor and texture will be quite different. Adzuki beans are truly the star here for that classic taste. Water: For soaking and boiling the beans. ¾ to 1 cup (150g to 200g) Granulated Sugar: You can start with the smaller amount and add more to taste. The final sweetness is entirely up to you. ¼ cup (60ml) Neutral-flavored Oil: Canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil works perfectly. The oil helps create a smooth, glossy texture and makes the paste easier to work with in pastries. Step-by-Step Instructions: First, rinse the adzuki beans thoroughly under cold water. Place them…