Azuki Beans

[Cookgirl]

I need recipes for using dried azuki beans. I have about 4 cups worth of organic dried beans on hand. Any suggestions? The recipes don't have to be Asian. We like rice bowls/meals in a bowl. Can azuki beans be used for making refried beans? I've been curious about that...



Rules:

-no ham
-made from scratch


Thanks!

cg

[Celticevergreen]

Azuki beans traditionally are sweetened in Asian cuisines. Outside of Asia, all I could find were references to Somali cuisine where they make a dish called Cambuulo which is well-cooked azuki beans, butter and sugar. I did find a reference that leads me to believe that azuki beans are the pinto beans of Asia and you can use them in any dish where pinto beans are called for. I understand they do not have to be soaked and they have shorter cooking times. Seems they are popular in vegetarian meals as an alternative to pinto beans and kidney beans in dishes. Enjoy!

[Rinshinomori]

Like Celtic said azuki beans are normally used for traditional sweets esp in Japan. It is also added in things like pound cake, scones, ice cream, breads, etc. However, I don't see why it cannot be used for other cooking except for cost. Azuki beans seem to be more expensive.