Sakura An Paste Made of Preserved Sakura Leaves

1. 1

   Soak the lima beans overnight so that they expand by 3-5 times their size.

2. 2

   In a pot, heat the beans and water and once the water has come to a boil, discard.

3. 3

   Pour fresh water into a pot and bring to a boil.

4. 4

   Discard the boiled water, transfer the cooked beans to a bowlful of fresh water and peel the membrane of each bean.

5. 5

   Boil the peeled beans with water again and skim off the scum periodically until the beans become crumbly.

6. 6

   Mince the sakura leaves.

7. 7

   Mix the red rice yeast with a tiny amount of water into a paste.

8. 8

   Puree the beans in a food processor, then cook the beans with a third of the amount of sugar.

9. 9

   Add the water-dissolved red rice yeast, then the remaining sugar.

10. 10

    Cook down.

11. 11

    Once the water has evaporated and the mixture has hardened, add the minced sakura leaves and turn off the heat.

12. 12

    Let cool.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.