RED BEAN PASTE

Mandarin: DOUSHA; Cantonese: DOW SA

Made from either red kidney beans or aduki beans, this is a thick, smooth paste, which is sweetened with rock sugar. The paste comes in small cans and is only available from Asian and oriental stores.

Aroma and flavor
The paste has a pleasant, mild fragrance with a subtle flavor. Although it is sweetened, the sauce is never cloying, and oriental cooks often add extra sugar to intensify the flavor. Occasionally, other flavoring such as essence of sesame seeds or ground cassia are blended in.

Culinary used
Red bean paste is mainly used in sweet dishes and is a popular filing for cakes and steamed buns. It is also spread on pancakes, which are then deep-fried

Storage
Once the can has been opened, the contents should be transferred to a sealed plastic tub and stored in the fridge, where the paste will keep for several months. Make a note of the use by date on the can.