Food Trivia Question from the Oriental Oasis Newsletter
TRIVIA QUESTION: While probably originating in China, today I play a role in both Chinese and Japanese cooking. I am found in several festive Chinese dishes, both because of my red color, which is thought to symbolize good fortune, and my sweet taste. A paste of me may be found in mooncakes, new year's dumplings, and pancakes. I am also used in soups. Besides all my other qualities, I am highly nutritious, and an excellent source of protein. One final clue: I contain both the first and last letters of the alphabet. What am I?
TRIVIA ANSWER: Azuki bean. Although originating in China, today azuki (also called adzuki or just red beans) features more prominently in Japanese cuisine. It is used to make red rice, and is the main ingredient of a soup used to treat kidney problems (azuki beans are thought to be a yang or warming food). Nonetheless, the small red bean is featured in several popular Chinese dishes, as the recipes below indicate.
Recipes:
Mooncakes
Red bean soup
Sweet red bean pancake
