Red bean soup recipe is a popular snack and dessert. Azuki beans are considered a “yang” or warming food. Tangerine peel, often used in recipes, is believed to help with digestion. You can find azuki beans, dried lotus seeds, and dried tangerine peel in plastic bags at Chinese or Asian markets.

Ingredients

Steps to Make It

01

Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before you start.

02

Soak the azuki beans in water overnight to make them softer. The beans won’t be fully soft, but they will grow in size. Drain the water afterward.

03

Two hours before making the soup, soak the dried lotus seeds in a bowl of water. Make sure the water covers them completely.

04

In a medium saucepan, bring 6 cups of water and the tangerine peel to a boil. You can adjust the soup’s thickness as you like. We usually start with 6 cups of water. If we want it thinner, we add more boiling water later when adding the brown sugar.

05

Lower the heat and add the adzuki beans and lotus seeds. Let it simmer, partially covered, for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The beans should soften and start to break apart.

06

Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves. Taste and add more sugar if you like. We usually start with 1/3 cup and add more, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed. If you want to thin the soup, add boiling water.

07

Take out the dried tangerine peel before serving.

08

Serve the red bean soup recipe either hot or cold.

09

Enjoy your meal!

FAQs:

1. What exactly is red bean soup?

Red bean soup is a sweet, comforting dessert or snack that’s a staple in many Asian cuisines, especially Chinese and Japanese. It’s made with azuki beans, which are tiny, red beans known for their sweet flavor once cooked. The beans are simmered in water, sometimes with the addition of tangerine peel, and sweetened with brown sugar. It’s versatile, served either hot or cold, depending on your preference and the season. In many cultures, this soup is believed to have health benefits, and it’s a great way to enjoy a naturally sweet treat!

2. Can I swap out the azuki beans for another type of bean?

While azuki beans are the classic choice for red bean soup recipe, you can certainly try other beans, like mung beans or kidney beans. However, keep in mind that each type of bean has its own unique flavor and texture. Azuki beans are small and slightly nutty, which is why they work so well in this dish. Swapping them out will change the overall taste, but it could be a fun twist to try something new. If you’re craving a variation, mung beans make for a lighter, milder option.

3. How long does it really take to make this red bean soup recipe ?

While the recipe might seem like it takes a while, most of the time is spent soaking the beans and letting them simmer. The soup itself takes around 1 to 1 1/2 hours to cook, but you’ll want to soak the beans overnight to soften them before cooking. So, overall, you’re looking at around 2 to 3 hours of preparation, but the hands-on time is much less—just soak, boil, and simmer! It’s pretty simple once you break it down.

4. What if I want my soup sweeter or less sweet?

Great question! Sweetness is totally customizable. Most recipes start with a moderate amount of brown sugar (like 1/3 cup), but you can always adjust it. If you have a sweet tooth, feel free to add more sugar, one tablespoon at a time, to reach your ideal sweetness. You could even experiment with alternatives like honey or palm sugar for a different flavor profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a less sweet soup, simply reduce the sugar or leave it out entirely, and the natural sweetness of the beans will shine through.

5. Can I make red bean soup Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Red bean soup recipe keeps well in the fridge for a few days, so it’s a great make-ahead dish. After cooking, let it cool and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it on the stove. If it thickens too much after being refrigerated, simply add a bit of boiling water to loosen it up to your liking. Plus, the flavors might even improve after a day or two, as they have time to meld together.

6. Is red bean soup a healthy option?

Yes, it can be! Azuki beans are rich in protein and fiber, making this soup a good source of energy without being overly high in fat. The soup is naturally low in fat and has a good amount of carbohydrates from the beans. While it does contain sugar, you can control the amount to make it as healthy as you want. It’s a sweet treat, but with a lot of nutritional benefits, especially if you’re looking for a naturally sweet dessert that won’t spike your blood sugar levels like other desserts might.

7. Can I add other ingredients to make the soup more interesting?

Definitely! Red bean soup is pretty versatile when it comes to ingredients. Besides the classic lotus seeds or tangerine peel, you can add dried longan for a lovely floral flavor or lotus root for an extra crunch. Some people even add dried lily bulbs for a delicate taste and texture. You could also play with spices like cinnamon or ginger if you’re in the mood for something extra warming. It’s fun to experiment and see how different ingredients change the overall flavor!

8. Can I serve this soup cold?

Yes, you can! While red bean soup is often served hot, it’s just as refreshing when served cold, making it a perfect dish for warm weather. If you’re serving it cold, allow it to cool to room temperature and then refrigerate it. Some people even add a few ice cubes before serving for an extra chill. It’s like a cozy, sweet drink that’s perfect for summer!

9. How can I tell when the beans are cooked perfectly?

The key is to let the beans cook slowly until they soften, but you want them to stay intact—just starting to break apart a little. If you cook them too long, they may turn mushy, and the soup could lose its nice texture. After simmering for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, check a few beans by pressing them with the back of a spoon. If they gently crush, they’re ready. This soft yet firm texture is what makes the soup so delicious and satisfying.

10. What should I do if the soup is too thick?

If your soup turns out thicker than you’d like, no worries! Just add some boiling water, a little at a time, and stir well. This will help you achieve the perfect consistency. You can also adjust the flavor as you add more water, so taste it and add a little extra sugar if needed. The soup should be smooth and slightly creamy, not too thick or too thin, so adjust it until it feels just right.