Azuki (Red Bean) Shake

Red beans (also known as azuki or adzuki or aduki) are often used in Asian desserts. I would eat them in sesame balls, in soups, in buns, in pancakes, in popsicles, or even just in sugar water.

Ironically enough, I was introduced to red bean shakes by one of my non Asian friends. In fact, he was as all American you could get, a white boy from St. Louis, but he had quite the case of yellow fever ;)

When I saw red beans at the grocery, I wanted to try it out. I have never used red beans before, and even my mom didn't know how to cook them. I just tested them out in a rice cooker. The first time, I didn't add enough water and they were hard as rocks, causing me quite a toothache. After I cooked them again, it turned out much better.

With this recipe, you could also freeze the shake to make popsicles as well.

Ingredients
3/4 cup azuki beans
1 cup crushed ice
1 cup milk (regular, almond, or soy)
3/4 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup sugar

Directions
Put red beans in rice cooker (2.5 to 3 cups water for every 1 cup beans) to cook. Crush ice in blender, and add azuki beans, milks, and sugar. Blend. To increase thickness add coconut milk.