Yokan is a tradional Japanese sweet, which is basically made of azuki beans, kanten (agar agar), and sugar. This is a type of yokan called mizu-yokan. As mizu means water in Japanese, mizu-yokan includes more water than other kinds of yokan.
Ingredients:
- 1 stick kanten (agar agar), or 2 tsp kanten powder
- 1 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 lb (1 1/2 cup) anko sweet azuki bean paste
Preparation:
Soak kanten stick in water for one hour or until softened. Squeeze the softened kanten and tear
it into small pieces. Add the kanten pieces or kanten powder in 1 and 1/4 cup of water in a
medium pan and bring to a boil, stirring. Turn down the heat to low. Simmer until the kanten
dissolves well, stirring. Add sugar and stir well. Add anko. Stir constantly and simmer until
thickened. Stop the heat. Pour the mixture in a flat container. Cool it until firm. Cut the yokan
into small blocks to serve.
Makes 4 servings.