Azuki Paste

— Instructions —

1. Pour azuki beans into a pot, and fill with enough water to cover.
2. Allow beans to soak overnight (at least six hours).
3. Pour out the water and rinse the beans a few times.
4. Pour clean water into the bowl to cover the beans (about 1 or 2 inches above).
5. Bring to a boil at high heat.
6. Turn off the heat and cover. Let stand 5 minutes.
7. Drain beans and put back in pot with fresh water, again covering the beans.
8. Bring to a second boil, then simmer on medium heat until softened (about 1 hour).
9. Pick up a bean with a slotted spoon, and gently cool it off with cold water. Then, squeeze it between your fingers - does it easily crush? If so, the beans are done!
10. Add the sugar gradually, while stirring.
11. Drain most of the liquid, then turn the heat back to high and stir until consistency is more like a paste.
12. Mix in salt, then turn off heat.
13. Pour paste in a container, like a bread pan. Cover with plastic wrap or seal whole pan in a large ziplock bag.
14. Keep in fridge until ready to use. Can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 weeks, but requires sufficient time to thaw (at least 30 minutes).