Recipe

Simple Seasoned Adzuki Beans

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Simple Seasoned Adzuki Beans

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by Sarah Shatz

Simple Seasoned Adzuki Beans

Photo 2 of 2
by WinnieAb

  • AntoniaJames's Testing Notes: Most beans need strong aromatics and bold spices to make them palatable. Not so with adzukis. This recipe uses them to best advantage, by showcasing their lovely flavor. The beans, while cooking...

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  • Chef

    WinnieAb's Notes: Adzuki beans (aka aduki beans) are small red beans that are most typically used in Japanese cooking. They are often featured in sweet recipes such as red bean paste. Adzuki beans also make...

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Serves 8-10

4 cups dried aduki beans (or pinto or another type of beans) Ask a question about this ingredient

4 slices preservative-free bacon, sliced into 1 inch pieces- optional; bacon lends a nice smoky saltiness but you can leave out for vegetarian beans Ask a question about this ingredient

1 teaspoon course sea salt or to taste Ask a question about this ingredient

1 teaspoon black pepper or to taste Ask a question about this ingredient

1 teaspoon garlic powder or to taste Ask a question about this ingredient

1 teaspoon chili powder or to taste Ask a question about this ingredient

  1. If not using aduki beans, it's best to soak your beans overnight in a large pot covered with water. After they have soaked, drain them and rinse several times. If you are using the aduki beans, just go ahead and rinse them.

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  2. Place rinsed beans and bacon in a large pot on the stove. Pour water over the beans to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.

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  3. Skim any foam that might rise to the top while cooking, and add additional water (or stock), if there does not seem to be enough liquid.

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  4. Cook until the beans are tender, about 1 1/2 hours (or as long as 3 hours for pinto and other beans).

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  5. 5. Add the sea salt (don't add too much if you've used stock) and pepper, plus the seasonings I mentioned (or others that you like) to taste. You can serve these in whole wheat or corn tortillas with the toppings of your choice: think grated raw cheese, fresh salsa, guacamole, organic sour cream, etc. Or have some in a bowl with a side of cornbread. Fresh chopped tomato, cucumber, red pepper, and sliced avocado are also wonderful additions.

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  6. My favorite healthy way to eat these, though, is this: chop some collard greens very fine, add some olive oil and fresh lime juice, and mix with the beans, veggies, and salsa. Top with some green onions and minced cilantro.

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5 Comments on Simple Seasoned Adzuki Beans

Blue_cropped Reply

I made this in my slow cooker this morning. (On high for about 2 1/2 hours). I had a few "tastes"- it is wonderful. I used chili powder, garlic powder, and a touch of cumin. I'm serving it with spelt berries, avocado and spicy pan-fried tofu this evening. Thank you!

Winnie100 Reply

Sounds so delicious!

New_years_kitchen_hlc_only Reply

I just stirred some of these into my morning steel cut oats -- I'd frozen half of last weekend's pot of them -- with a few shavings of ricotta salata and a splash of red wine vinegar. Sensational! It's my new favorite breakfast. I have another pot on the stove, as I write this. ;o)

Winnie100 Reply

Love this breakfast idea AJ!

New_years_kitchen_hlc_only Reply

So looking forward to trying these! Will not be using chili powder, but instead some toasted cumin and one black cardamom pod. Really like all the serving suggestions . . . haven't made corn muffins for Mr T for a while, so I plan to make some to go with these. ;o)

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