| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 2 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 354 | 1.8g | 0.6g | 79.2g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 39.7g | 7.8g | 12.2g | 0.20g |
Anyone who knows me, knows that I have a deep love for the subtropical flavors ingrained in my Cuban and Spanish food heritage. And that anglo creativity flows through every dish I create. This time I am sharing with you, my take on a beloved classic, the Azuki Bean Soup.
Flavor that Dances
The Azuki Bean Soup is no ordinary recipe. Its base ingredients may be simple, but there’s a sonorous symphony of flavors to be experienced here– a dance of tastes, if you will. With Cuban and Spanish roots, it comes naturally to me to infuse these dishes with a little extra rhythm and zeal. My love for dance isn’t just reserved for the dance floor, it lightly twirls into my kitchen too!
The sweetness of oranges, pineapples, and mangos combines perfectly with the distinctive nutty flavor of Azuki beans. The citrusy tang provided by lemon juice, rounded off with a pinch of salt, creates a melody of contrast that can only be described as delightful. A garnish of mint leaves adds a refreshing finale to the vibrant carnival of flavors packed into this soup.
Healthy and Delicious
This Azuki Bean Soup is a delicious way to keep your health in check. Azuki beans are packed with beneficial nutrients; they are high in fiber and protein, low in fat, and loaded with essential anti-oxidants. The soup is also packed with tropical fruits that provide a healthy dose of essential vitamins and minerals. And a gentle reminder: the colors in your bowl represent a spectrum of nutrients, so enjoy this rainbow of health with gusto!
A Dash of Pairing Inspiration
One of the many aspects I enjoy most about the Azuki Bean Soup is its versatility as a dish. Enjoy it on its own, as a hearty main, or as a unique dessert soup. You can also pair it with a light, fresh Spanish salad or tapas for a complete meal. Its sweet-and-salty profile also makes it an ideal companion to a crisp white wine. Think German Riesling or a Spanish Albarino. And let’s not forget, a tropical cocktail or two would always be welcome.
Sign off on a sweet note. Here’s to health, flavor, and impromptu dance-breaks in the kitchen!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of dried Azuki beans
- 6 cups of water
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 6 peeled and sliced oranges
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1/2 cup of diced pineapples
- 1/2 cup of diced mangoes
- Mint leaves for garnish
Method
Step One
Begin by cleaning the Azuki beans thoroughly and then soaking them in plenty of water overnight. This will prepare them for cooking and also shorten their cooking time.
Step Two
When you’re ready to prepare the soup, drain the beans and place them into a large pot. Add in six cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the beans are tender, this should take about an hour.
Step Three
After an hour, stir in the sugar and salt and continue to simmer until they’re fully dissolved. Remember to stir continuously to prevent the sugar from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step Four
Next, add the peeled and sliced oranges, lemon juice, diced pineapples and mangoes to the pot. Mix well with the beans and simmer for an additional 15 minutes. This will allow the fruits to blend with the rest of the ingredients and make the soup more flavorful.
Step Five
Once the soup is done, you can serve it hot or cold depending on your preference. You can garnish each serving with a few mint leaves on top to enhance its aesthetic appeal and add a hint of freshness to the dish.
Step Six
Serve this delicious Azuki Bean Soup as a dessert or snack and enjoy the unique combination of beans, citrus fruits and tropical fruits. This recipe is ideal for parties, potlucks or simply for a unique treat at home.
