Red beans, also known as adzuki beans, are a common ingredient that can be used in various dishes. During the hot summer months, cooking up a bowl of red bean soup is perfect for cooling down. A combination of red beans and job's tears (coix seed) in a soup can help with sleep, calm the mind, and also clear heat and reduce internal fire. Red beans are good for the heart, while carp provides nourishing warmth; making a red bean carp soup in winter is both nutritious and delicious.
Health Benefits and Effects of Red Beans
1. Red beans contain saponins, which can stimulate the intestines and have diuretic effects.
2. Rich in dietary fiber, red beans can help with bowel movements, lower blood pressure and lipids, and regulate blood sugar levels. They are also a good choice for those looking to lose weight.
3. Red beans are rich in folic acid and can promote lactation, making them suitable for nursing mothers.
4. Red beans have a sweet and slightly acidic taste and are neutral in nature. They have blood-nourishing, pus-dispersing, swelling-reducing, and detoxifying effects.
Red Beans with Tangerine Peel
Ingredients Needed
Main Ingredients: 250g red beans, 10g tangerine peel. Additional Ingredients: rock sugar.
Cooking Method
1. Soak the beans overnight, possibly in the refrigerator. After soaking, transfer them to a pot with enough water and add the cleaned tangerine peel.
2. If using an electric rice cooker, simply press the porridge button. If using a regular pot, simmer until the beans are soft and remove the tangerine peel.
3. Add an appropriate amount of rock sugar, let it dissolve, stir well, and serve. It tastes better when chilled.
Red Bean and Job's Tears Soup
Ingredients Needed
Main Ingredients: 150g red beans, 150g job's tears, 40g lotus seeds, 30g dried lily flowers. Seasonings: rock sugar, water.
Cooking Method
1. Rinse the red beans, job's tears, lily flowers, and lotus seeds, then soak them overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the soaked ingredients, place them in a pot, and add enough water so that it is about two finger-widths above the ingredients.
3. Cover the pot, set it to “soup” mode, and cook for 55 minutes. After 35 minutes, release the steam, open the lid, and add the drained lily flowers.
4. Cook for the full 55 minutes, release the steam, add an appropriate amount of rock sugar, stir until it dissolves, and serve.
Red Bean Carp Soup
Ingredients Needed
Main Ingredients: 1 carp, 100g red beans. Seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 small piece of ginger, half a head of garlic, 1/2 tablespoon rice wine, 1 sprig of cilantro, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.
Cooking Method
1. Soak the red beans overnight, drain and rinse them. Clean the carp, sprinkle a little salt and rice wine on it, and marinate for 20 minutes.
2. Heat a little vegetable oil in a non-stick pan, add ginger slices and a little salt, and fry the carp until golden brown on both sides. Fry the garlic cloves together with the carp.
3. In a clay pot, bring enough water to a boil over high heat, add the red beans and the fried carp, then turn down the heat and simmer for 40 minutes.
4. Sprinkle black pepper, add salt, and garnish with cilantro before serving.