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Adzuki beans are also known as azuki or aduki beans. They originate from Asia and are well known and much valued there, especially in Japanese cuisine.
They’re exported all over the world and are prized for their health-giving properties. It is believed that they lower the risk of diabetes and have been linked to better cardiac health. These little beans are loaded with nutritional value.
For instance, a 100-gram serving contains over 7g of protein, more than 7g of fiber, plus good amounts of the minerals manganese, potassium, zinc, and iron. Studies have shown that they contain around 29 kinds of antioxidants.
Adzuki beans are small dried beans that come in various colors. However, the red ones are the most common. They are about half the size of kidney beans and are a rounder shape.
These little miracles are a useful, tasty, and filling addition to many dishes. It’s helpful to soak them for a few hours before boiling them, but this is not strictly necessary because of their small size.
They cook fairly quickly compared to other dried beans, which makes them great for those busy week-nights. Some people like to sprout them before use to improve their digestibility.
They’re even used in some dessert recipes. For instance, they are made into a sweet paste with sugar and used as fillings for several Japanese puddings.
The dry beans can even be ground into flour and used to bake bread and pastries. Like other beans, they are commonly used for stews, soups, and salads.
You can add the sprouted beans to salads or stir-fries. In fact, they’re a perfect addition to a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Best Substitutes for Adzuki Beans
Replacing Adzuki Beans
As you can see, these versatile little beans will be called for in numerous Asian-style recipes.
However, because they aren’t as well known in the West, you may have trouble obtaining them. That’s why it’s good to know a few substitutes for adzuki beans.
While there’s nothing on earth that can replace genuine adzuki beans in terms of their nutritional qualities, many other beans are similar when it comes to flavor and texture.
Use our substitutes, and you won’t even notice the difference in your recipes. Just remember not to add salt while cooking as this can toughen the skin and increase cooking time.
Below, we’ve provided you with the three best possible adzuki beans substitutes, so read on and learn the three top replacements!
- Kidney Beans
If you are thinking of adzuki beans substitute, there is no better option than kidney beans. They are so similar in color that it is possible to confuse the two.
However, adzukis are smaller and rounder. Their flavor and texture are similar, but kidney beans require a longer soaking and cooking time so bear this in mind when using them as a substitute.
A pressure cooker helps reduce cooking time greatly, but the beans will still have to be soaked first. You can use the same quantity that’s called for in your recipe.
- Red Beans
Red beans are similar to kidney beans, but they’re a little smaller and slightly rounder. They are also lighter red than kidney beans.
Their texture and flavor are a near match to adzukis but be careful when substituting red beans in mild-flavored dishes as they do have a stronger taste.
They’re better suited to savory dishes as their taste may be a little overpowering in a sweet dessert.
- Black Turtle Beans
Black turtle beans, native to the Americas, are another worthy substitute for adzuki beans. They’re small, black, and shiny with a mild, sweetish taste and a fairly soft texture.
This makes them your go-to substitute for adzukis in desserts.
When Not to Replace Adzuki Beans
You can easily replace adzuki beans with other varieties in most recipes but be careful when doing this for desserts.
A stronger flavored bean may ruin the taste of a mild-flavored sweet dish, so try your best to use the same beans as suggested by the recipe.
Bonus Recipe: Adzuki Tortillas
This simple recipe showcases the beans by placing them front and center of the whole dish
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried adzuki or our substitutes above
- 2 rashers of bacon, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 fresh red chili, finely chopped
Instructions
- If you’re not using adzukis, soak your beans overnight in plenty of water, then drain and rinse. If using adzuki beans, rinse them well.
- Put bacon and chili in a large pot and fry to render the fat.
- Add beans and cover with water.
- Bring to the boil, then simmer for about 2 hours till beans are soft.
- Drain and add seasonings.
- Serve in tortilla wraps with your favorite toppings such as avocado and grated cheese.
Conclusion
In the article, we have provided you with three of the best adzuki beans substitutes. If making a paste, butter beans are another option.
Hopefully, we’ve solved your adzuki-lacking problems. Let us know about your experience in the comment section below.
