| Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 45 mins – 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 510 | 1g | 0g | 121g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 35g | 10g | 13g | 0.4g |
Imagine a dish that not only tastes phenomenal but also has countless health benefits. Enter the Azuki Bean Rice, a richly satisfying vegetarian delight that intertwines the texture of short-grain rice with the nuttiness of azuki beans. Accompanied by a hint of orange zest and the sweetness of tangerine slices, it could even replace your regular risotto for dinner tonight.
A Stew of Simplicity and Nutrition
Often when people think of nutritious meals, there’s an assumption that it will be complicated or time-consuming. This Azuki Bean Rice absolutely demolishes that myth. With an ease that reminds me of concocting a steaming pot of Maine lobster stew back home, the preparation of this dish is moderately simple.
Despite its simplicity, it doesn’t compromise on nutrition. Azuki beans are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making the dish incredibly heart-healthy and beneficial for managing blood sugar levels. Accompanied by the Vitamin C from the orange zest and tangerines, your immune system will thank you.
Complementary Dishes
When it comes to pairing this recipe with other dishes, its subtle sweetness and grainy texture opens up many options. For a classic contrast of flavors, try serving this Azuki Bean Rice alongside a savoury fried cod, a mainstay back in New England.
Alternatively, it’s absolutely sublime with some spiced lamb chops. The sweetness of the rice plays off beautifully against the heat of the chili. If you’re planning a vegetarian spread, a tangy steamed spinach or a hearty lentil soup would complement the azuki bean rice equally well.
So, whether it’s a quiet dinner at home or a weekend feast, remember, there’s always room to try something different, something as simple yet exciting as the Azuki Bean Rice. Happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of short-grain white rice
- 1 cup of azuki beans
- 5 cups of water
- 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 6 pieces of dried kelp (about 2 inches each)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 can (15 ounces) of tangerine slices (optional for serving)
Method
Step One
First off, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This is an essential step to remove the excess starch from the rice. Once rinsed, place the rice in a bowl and cover with water. Allow the rice to soak for at least 30 minutes.
Step Two
In the meantime, rinse the azuki beans under cold water. Then, place the beans in a large pot with 4 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about an hour until the beans are soft.
Step Three
While the beans are simmering, prepare the kelp. Rinse the kelp under cold water, then soak in a bowl with one cup of water for approximately 30 minutes. Once the kelp has soaked, remove it from the water but keep the water.
Step Four
When the beans are soft, drain them and discard the water. Return the beans to the pot and add the sugar, salt, and water from the kelp. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for another hour until the beans have absorbed the flavors.
Step Five
Drain the rice from step one and add it to the pot with the bean mixture. Stir gently to combine. Then, add the zest of one orange and stir once more. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step Six
Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish cooking in its own steam. After 10 minutes, uncover the pot and fluff the Azuki Bean Rice with a fork.
Step Seven
Finally, serve the Azuki Bean Rice warm, garnished with tangerine slices if desired. The sweet and savory flavors of the rice, combined with the tangy fruit, make for a truly unique and delicious dish.
