Chinese American Style Red Bean Jelly

Ingredients

In this Chinese American adaptation of Mizu yokan, we incorporate the flavors and techniques of Chinese American cuisine. While the original Japanese dish uses agar agar as a gelling agent, we substitute it with gelatin to achieve a smoother texture. Additionally, we infuse the red bean paste with a hint of vanilla extract to add a touch of American flavor. The result is a dessert that combines the best of both worlds, creating a unique and delicious fusion. We alse have the original recipe for Mizu yokan, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (200g) adzuki beans 1 cup (200g) adzuki beans
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons (28g) gelatin powder 2 tablespoons (28g) gelatin powder
• 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water
• Fresh berries, for garnish (optional) Fresh berries, for garnish (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 30g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.01g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the adzuki beans under cold water and place them in a large saucepan. Add 4 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
2. 2.
   Drain the cooked adzuki beans and transfer them to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
3. 3.
   Return the blended adzuki beans to the saucepan and add the sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes a paste-like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over the cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
5. 5.
   Place the gelatin mixture in a saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
6. 6.
   Add the gelatin mixture to the adzuki bean paste and stir until well combined.
7. 7.
   Pour the mixture into a square or rectangular mold and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
8. 8.
   Once set, cut the jelly into desired shapes and serve chilled. Garnish with fresh berries if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Adzuki beans — Make sure to rinse the beans thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities.
• Gelatin — Follow the instructions on the gelatin package for best results. Bloom the gelatin in cold water before heating it to ensure proper dissolution.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense red bean flavor, you can add a few drops of red bean extract to the mixture.
• If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can increase the amount of sugar in the red bean paste.
• Serve the Chinese American Style Red Bean Jelly with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
• Experiment with different shapes and sizes of molds to create visually appealing presentations.
• To unmold the jelly easily, dip the mold in warm water for a few seconds before inverting it onto a serving plate.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese American Style Red Bean Jelly chilled as a refreshing dessert. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the Chinese American Style Red Bean Jelly with fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries. The vibrant colors of the berries will add visual appeal to the dessert.