Anko (Sweet Red Bean Paste)

Place beans in a saucepan and cover with 2 cups water; bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.

Drain and discard water.

Place drained beans in a clean saucepan and cover with 2 to 3 cups water.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer, adding more water as needed, until beans are soft and can be crushed between your fingers, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Drain beans and discard water.

Stir beans and sugar together in a saucepan over medium-high heat.

Cook, stirring constantly, until sugar melts and beans form a loose, shiny paste, about 10 minutes.

Immediately transfer the paste to a container to cool.

Store, covered, in the refrigerator.