Anko (Sweet Red Bean Paste)

1 . Stage

Gather all ingredients. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

2 . Stage

Place beans in a saucepan and cover with 2 cups water; bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

3 . Stage

Drain beans and transfer to a clean saucepan. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

4 . Stage

Cover with 2 to 3 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer, adding more water as needed, until beans are soft and can be crushed between your fingers, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

5 . Stage

Drain beans and return to the saucepan. Add sugar and set over medium-high heat. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

6 . Stage

Cook, stirring constantly, until sugar melts and beans form a loose, shiny paste, about 10 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

7 . Stage

Immediately transfer paste to a container to cool. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios