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Sweetened Red Bean Paste

4.4

(2)

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Canned red bean paste is an acceptable product, but the homemade kind is obviously much tastier. In Chinese markets, you'll find small, plump dried red beans called _hoong dul,_not to be confused with adzuki beans, _zeck siu dul,_also small red beans that are oblong in shape. This recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups of red bean paste, just enough filling for Sesame Balls. Use regular brown sugar for this recipe.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients

6 ounces small red beans _hoong dul,_about 1 cup
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Wash the beans, cover the cold water, and soak overnight. Drain beans and discard water. Place beans in a 1 1/2-quart saucepan, add 3 cups cold water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 1 hour, or until very soft. Monitor the pan to make sure water doesn't dry up. Drain and discard the water.

    Step 2

    Place the beans in a food processor and process until smooth. Add brown sugar and process until just combined. In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add the bean paste and cook, stirring 2 to 3 minutes, or until the mixture is dry. Remove from heat. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator until ready to use; it will keep for 1 week.

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From The Wisdom of the Chinese Kitchen by Grace Young. Copyright © 1999 by Grace Young. Reprinted by permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc. Buy the full book from Simon & Schuster or Amazon.
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