Anko

Anko is a sweet azuki bean paste which is often used to make various Japanese sweets. This is a type of anko called tsubu-an. Tsubu-an contains skins of azuki beans.



Ingredients:
* 1/2 lb. azuki beans (1 1/3 cup)
* 2 cup sugar
* 1 tsp. salt

Preparation:
Put lots of water in deep pot. Soak azuki beans in the water overnight. Heat the beans on high heat and bring to a boil. Turn down the heat to medium and simmer beans for about 10 minutes. Drain the beans. Put the azuki beans in the pot again and add about four cups of water. Heat the azuki and bring to a boil. Turn down the heat to low and simmer the azuki beans for about one hour, or until softened. Drain the liquid from the pot. Add sugar and salt in the beans. Stir and simmer beans until thickened. Stop the heat and cool the anko.