Adzuki Bean Taco Food

ADZUKI BEAN TACO/BURRITO FILLING

Steps:

• Soak beans overnight in 4 cups water.
• Drain and rinse.
• In a large pot, sautee onions and garlic in oil.
• Add beans and 2-4 cups of water (enough to cover). Bring to a simmer.
• Add bouillon and bay leaf. Cook 1 hour, adding more water if necessary.
• Add taco seasoning and crushed red pepper. Cook an additional 30 minutes or until water is reduced.
• Remove bay leaf. Mash or blend about half the beans (I use an immersion blender) until the texture is similar to taco meat. Taste and stir in more seasonings if desired.

SWEET AND SOUR ADZUKI BEANS

Steps:

• Heat the oil (or butter) slightly in a 4-6 quart heavy saucepan.
• Add onion, and grate in garlic and ginger.
• Sauté on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
• Stir in tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring often.
• Stir in garam masala and turmeric.
• Stir in sake, deglazing the saucepan.
• Stir in maple syrup and raisins.
• Stir in adzukis, let them take in the flavours for about 3 minutes, stirring often.
• Stir in water and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
• Add water, if needed while simmering, maintaining about 1 cup of water in saucepan at all times.
• Stir in apple cider vinegar, peppers and sea salt to taste.
• Simmer 30 minutes more or until adzukis are cooked through (add water if needed).
• Serve over white or brown rice.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, and drizzle with sesame oil, if desired.