Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy weeknight meal? Look no further! This adzuki bean recipe takes inspiration from Jamie Oliver's philosophy of fresh, simple ingredients and vibrant flavors. Forget complicated recipes and time-consuming cooking; this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, yet satisfying enough for a weekend treat. It’s a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best, offering a wholesome and delicious meal the whole family will love. Prepare to be amazed by how much flavor you can pack into such a quick and easy recipe! This is one of those best recipes that consistently delivers.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dried adzuki beans, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for extra umami
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step builds a wonderful flavor base for your adzuki beans.
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Add the beans and broth: Add the rinsed adzuki beans, vegetable broth (or water), thyme, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the beans are tender. If using water instead of broth, add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
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Adjust seasoning and serve: Once the beans are cooked, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a splash of soy sauce or tamari for extra depth of flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Adzuki Bean Recipe:
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Soaking (optional): For quicker cooking, you can soak the adzuki beans overnight in cold water. This reduces cooking time by about 30 minutes. However, it's perfectly fine to cook them directly from dry.
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Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
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Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, sausage, or chickpeas for a heartier meal. This is a great way to adapt the recipe to your dietary preferences.
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Creamy texture: For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the cooked beans with an immersion blender before serving.
Variations:
- Lemon Adzuki Beans: Add the juice and zest of half a lemon during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Coconut Adzuki Beans: Stir in a can of full-fat coconut milk during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a creamy, subtly sweet dish. This is a wonderfully flavorful and healthy alternative.
- Ginger Adzuki Beans: Add 1 inch of grated fresh ginger along with the garlic for an extra aromatic kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Fiber: Approximately 15-20g
This adzuki bean recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas, and a delicious addition to any healthy meal plan. Its simplicity and versatility make it a perfect choice for both beginner and experienced cooks. Enjoy!