Comfort food: Sweet adzuki beans

Adzuki beans, found in any asian food stores, are a red bean high in nutrients. While one can certainly go through the labor-intensive & picky process of making the past for fillings, I am basically a lazy person and choose instead to make a read bean soup with sweet dumplings. Actually the dumplings were made by my mom last visit, so all I did was take some directly from freezer to boiling pot. Thanks Mom!

Like many of my recipes, the final appearance and texture of this is one that depends in large part on what you want. Start by soaking beans overnight in water. The next day drain and cover with fresh water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, and simmer until tender. You'll want it to be softer than baked beans - the ideal state are when the beans start bursting. I was a little eager to eat but there are a few in the bowl that have burst. At this time add a big lump of rock sugar and simmer until melted. If you are cooking any dumplings, add them with the sugar. Eat warm.