Nutrition

• Baked adzuki beans have many nutritional benefits, and they are suitable for people with certain dietary ailments. Adzuki, loaded with soluble fiber and protein, is a significant source of potassium, iron, magnesium and folate. Adzuki’s low glycemic index makes the bean a safe choice if you suffer from diabetes and other blood-sugar management issues. One cup of adzuki beans contains 300 calories and 17 grams of protein.

Purchasing

• Adzuki beans are not always available in supermarkets, but health food stores and Asian supermarkets typically sell them. Like most bean varieties, adzuki is sold as a dry bean or pre-prepared canned beans. Some stores sell loose adzuki beans by the pound, which may make them more affordable. Many online wholesalers also have adzuki beans for purchase. Dry adzuki beans must be soaked and cooked prior to baking.

Preparation

• Prepare your adzuki beans properly to obtain great taste and texture. You should soak dried adzuki beans in water for 1 to 2 hours in a large bowl. The U.S. Dry Bean Council advises against adding salt to the soaking water as it can toughen the outer layer of the beans. Before baking, boil the adzuki beans in plain water 20 to 40 minutes until tender.

Adzuki Frosting

• One way to incorporate adzuki into your baking repertoire is to make adzuki buttercream frosting for matcha cupcakes. To prepare the frosting, combine adzuki beans with the recommended amounts of butter, vanilla extract, sugar and milk to form a sweet paste. Bake the cupcakes separately and spread the adzuki frosting evenly over the top after they have cooled.

Adzuki Bean Cake

• Adzuki bean cake is a traditional baked Asian dessert with an adzuki bean filling, a combination of cooked adzuki beans and sugar. The filling is cooked into a batter that resembles pancake mix. The mashed adzuki beans and sugar blend into the batter, creating a cohesive texture. Bake an adzuki bean cake for 40 to 50 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.