Servings: 1
Hakko Anko (Fermented Sweet Red Beans) 発酵あんこ
Sweet red bean paste made with azuki beans and rice koji is easy to make at home, naturally fermented, and naturally sweetened.
Equipment
- 1 pressure cooker
- 1 yoghurt maker
Ingredients
- 100 g azuki beans
- 3 cups water
- 100 g dry rice koji
- a pinch salt(optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the azuki beans well.
- Add the azuki beans to a pot and cups of water at three times the volume of the beans.
- Bring to a boil without the lid. Boil for 5 minutes, then drain to remove bitterness.
- Put the beans into the pressure cooker and add fresh water again at three times the bean volume.
- Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. The beans are ready when they can be easily crushed between your fingers.
- Let the cooked azuki beans cool with their cooking liquid until the temperature drops below 60°C.
- Add the crumbled rice koji and salt, then mix evenly into the warm bean paste. Adjust the moisture so the mixture becomes a thick, spoonable paste.
- Transfer the mixture to a clean yogurt maker container. Set the yogurt maker at 60°C for 8 hours stirring every 2 to 3 hours during fermentation to ensure even sweetness.
- If desired, add a small pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and also blend it with an immersion blender if you prefer a smooth texture.
- Let it cool completely, then store in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
*Fermentation time can vary depending on room temperature, the strength of your rice koji, and the moisture level of the beans. Warmer conditions often lead to faster sweetness, while cooler rooms may take a little longer. Use the times in this recipe as a guide and check the flavor as it ferments. The anko is ready when it tastes gently sweet and well balanced.
Nutrition
Calories: 524kcal, Carbohydrates: 107g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0.04g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Sodium: 43mg, Potassium: 532mg, Fiber: 7g, Vitamin A: 6IU, Calcium: 49mg, Iron: 2mg