Anko (Sweet Red Bean Paste)

Gather all ingredients.

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

Drain beans and transfer to a clean saucepan.

Cover with 2 to 3 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, 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 return to the saucepan. Add sugar and set over medium-high heat.

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

Immediately transfer paste to a container to cool.