Amanattō - Sweetened Beans

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) azuki beans or soybeans 1 cup (200g) azuki beans or soybeans
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 40g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the beans thoroughly under cold water and drain.
2. 2.
   In a large saucepan, combine the beans and enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.
3. 3.
   Drain the beans and rinse them again under cold water.
4. 4.
   In the same saucepan, combine the beans, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, or until the beans are tender and the liquid has thickened to a syrupy consistency.
6. 6.
   Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the beans cool in the syrup for 30 minutes.
7. 7.
   Drain the beans, reserving the syrup for other uses if desired.
8. 8.
   Spread the beans on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them dry for 2-3 hours, or until they are slightly firm to the touch.
9. 9.
   Once dry, gently roll the beans in granulated sugar until they are evenly coated.
10. 10.
    Store the Amanattō in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beans — Soaking the beans overnight before cooking can help reduce the cooking time and ensure they become tender. If using azuki beans, make sure to remove any impurities or broken beans before cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the syrup for additional flavor.
• Experiment with different types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, to create unique variations of Amanattō.
• If you prefer a softer texture, simmer the beans for a longer period of time until they reach your desired consistency.
• Amanattō makes a delightful gift or party favor. Package them in small, decorative bags or boxes for a charming presentation.
• The leftover syrup can be used as a sweetener in other recipes or drizzled over pancakes or ice cream.

Serving advice

Serve Amanattō as a standalone sweet treat or alongside a cup of green tea for a traditional Japanese experience. Arrange the beans on a small plate or in a decorative bowl to showcase their vibrant colors.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, arrange the Amanattō in a pattern or create a gradient of colors. Use contrasting colors, such as red and white beans, for an eye-catching display.