Sweet Red Bean Paste

Sweet Red Bean Paste

Use this recipe to make sweet red bean paste, which is featured in a number of Lunar New Year dishes, such as sesame balls and mooncakes.
  • Preparation:
  • Cooking:
  • Total:
  • Serves: 5 persons

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Gather the ingredients.
  2. Step 2

    To begin, wash the beans and throw out any that are damaged. (They may be misshapen or discolored.)
  3. Step 3

    Place the beans in a small to a medium-sized saucepan. Cover them with water and soak them overnight. (This helps shorten the cooking time and rids the legumes of gas.)
  4. Step 4

    The next day, bring the beans and water to a boil. Simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beans have softened. Add more water as necessary.
  5. Step 5

    Drain.
  6. Step 6

    Process the beans in a blender until smooth.
  7. Step 7

    Remove them from the blender, and stir in the sugar.
  8. Step 8

    Heat the oil in a wok or frying pan. Fry the beans on medium-low heat (about 4 on an electric stove) for a few minutes until they are dry, pressing them gently with the back of a spatula to form a paste.
  9. Step 9

    Cool and use as called for in the recipe.
  10. Step 10

    That's it!