Anko (sweet red bean paste)
A Japanese sweet paste of adzuki beans mashed with sugar, thick and moderately sweet, as a filling for dorayaki, mochi and buns.
Anko (sweet red bean paste) is a Japanese sweet paste of adzuki beans boiled and mashed with sugar, dark burgundy, thick, moderately sweet, with a mild bean taste; it comes smooth (koshian) and with bean pieces (tsubuan). It is used as a filling for dorayaki, manju, taiyaki, mochi, anpan and buns, put into desserts, served with green tea and with ice cream.
Recipes with this ingredient
Taiyaki are charming Japanese waffles shaped like fish that have long become a symbol of street food in Japan. Their history dates back to the early 20th century when bakers decided to give traditional round pastries the shape of a fish, considered a symbol of luck. Taiyaki have a crispy golden crust and a soft, tender filling made of sweet red bean paste called anko. This dessert offers a harmonious blend of sweetness and slight bitterness, with its texture creating a pleasant contrasting sensation in the mouth. Taiyaki can be enjoyed fresh and hot right off the street or served with ice cream or other sweet toppings. They provide not only delightful taste but also a sense of comfort and nostalgia, transporting one to the atmosphere of traditional Japanese festivals.
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Sweet steamed buns with bean paste are a delicate treat of Chinese cuisine that combines airy dough and the rich flavor of sweet red bean paste called anko. These buns, known as 'mantou' with filling, are popular in China and often served with tea or as a light dessert. Their preparation requires patience: the dough undergoes several fermentation stages before the buns are steamed to become soft and porous. The anko filling adds sweetness and a slight earthy note that harmonizes with the tender texture of the dough. The glossy finish makes them even more appealing. These buns are not just a treat but also part of culinary traditions that value natural flavors and simplicity in execution.
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Japanese-style cinnamon pancakes made from bean paste are a delicate treat infused with the spirit of traditional Japanese cuisine. Their base is anko paste from adzuki red beans, which gives the pastry a sweet, slightly nutty flavor. The aroma of cinnamon makes these pancakes warm and cozy, perfect for enjoying with a cup of green tea. This dish resembles traditional Japanese sweets like dorayaki but has a unique texture and preparation method. Frying in peanut oil creates a crispy crust, while rolling in sugar adds a pleasant caramel note. In Japan, these pancakes can be served for breakfast or as dessert, especially on cool evenings when you crave something homey and fragrant.
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