red bean cakes

How to Make Red Bean Cakes: A Comprehensive Guide

Red bean cakes, a beloved Asian treat, offer a perfect blend of sweet, creamy filling and soft pastry. Here’s a simple guide to making them at home.

Ingredients: For the filling, you’ll need 200g dried red beans (soaked overnight), 50g sugar, and a pinch of salt. For the pastry, 250g all-purpose flour, 30g sugar, 120ml warm water, 30g melted butter, and 1/2 tsp yeast.

Steps:

1. Prepare the filling: Soak red beans for 8 hours, then boil until soft. Mash beans, add sugar and salt, and cook over low heat until thick. Let it cool.

2. Make the dough: Mix flour, sugar, and yeast. Add warm water and butter, knead into a smooth dough. Let it rise for 1 hour until doubled.

3. Shape the cakes: Divide the dough into small balls. Flatten each, place a spoonful of filling in the center, and seal the edges.

4. Cook: For baked versions, brush with egg wash and bake at 180°C for 20 minutes. For pan-fried, heat oil in a pan and cook until golden on both sides.

Tips: For a flaky crust, use puff pastry instead. Adjust sugar to taste. Enjoy these treats warm with a cup of tea!