This Azuki Red Bean Ice Cream is a heavenly blend of sweet and nutty flavors that'll transport your taste buds straight to Tokyo, all with just three simple ingredients!
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I was inspired to make this recipe after trying those frozen Azuki bars from Costco—so delicious and nostalgic! Plus, I've always got my favorite kitchen gadget on my mind, and with some leftover red beans from my halo-halo ice cream recipe, this idea was a no-brainer.
It’s like combining my love for simple, sweet treats and a perfect excuse to use my favorite Ninja CREAMi.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Just Three Ingredients: You only need azuki red beans, half and half (or heavy cream), and a sweetener of choice!
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and hands-on time make this a stress-free treat.
- Unique Flavor: The nutty, sweet taste of azuki beans is a refreshing change from typical ice cream flavors.
- Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or add fun mix-ins to suit your taste.
- Perfect Texture: The Ninja Creami makes this ice cream irresistibly smooth and creamy every time.
What is Azuki Red Bean?
Azuki red beans, also known as adzuki or aduki beans, are small, sweet legumes widely used in East Asian cuisines, particularly in Japan, China, and Korea. These beans are cherished for their mildly nutty flavor and smooth texture, making them a popular ingredient in traditional desserts like red bean paste buns, mochi, and ice creams. Originating from China, azuki beans have been cultivated for thousands of years and are often seen as a symbol of good luck in various Asian cultures.
These versatile beans are not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with fiber, protein, and essential minerals. They add a unique twist to sweet treats, offering a natural way to indulge in a bit of sweetness without the guilt.
Ingredients
Here’s what you will need:
- Azuki Red Beans: Use jarred or canned sweetened azuki beans or make your own at home for more control over sweetness.
- Half and Half (or Heavy Cream): Half and half create a lighter ice cream; heavy cream adds richness. Swap as you like!
- Cottage Cheese: For extra protein and adds creaminess.
- Monk Fruit Sweetener or Condensed Milk: Monk fruit is a great low-sugar option, or go for classic sweetness with condensed milk.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Azuki Red Bean Ice Cream?
- Blend the Ingredients: In a Vitamix blender or using an immersion blender, combine the azuki beans, cottage cheese, half and half (or heavy cream), and your sweetener of choice. Blend until smooth.
- Pour and Freeze: Transfer the mixture into the Ninja Creami Deluxe container. Place the container in the freezer and let it freeze completely, ideally overnight or for at least 24 hours.
- Process in Ninja Creami: Once frozen solid, insert the container into your Ninja Creami machine. Select the "Ice Cream" function and let the machine do its magic. Add more red bean and select "mix in".
- Enjoy: Scoop and serve immediately for a perfectly creamy treat.
Topping and Mix-in Suggestions
- Sweetened Red Beans: Stir in extra beans for more texture.
- Chocolate Chips: Adds a bit of crunch and complements the sweetness of the beans.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle on top for a nutty, earthy contrast.
- Matcha Powder: Add a bit of matcha to the mix for a green tea twist.
- Shaved Coconut: Adds a tropical flair to your ice cream.
Equipment Used
- Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Maker: The star of the show, perfect for creating creamy, smooth ice cream.
- Blender: To blend the ingredients into a silky base.
- Ninja Creami Pint Container: The pint container is essential for freezing and churning your ice cream mix.
Top tip
For the creamiest results, make sure your mixture is blended thoroughly with no chunks remaining before freezing. A smooth base leads to the best texture in your finished ice cream.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Feel free to substitute with honey, maple syrup, or even a sugar-free option like stevia.
You can swap half and half with heavy cream for a richer texture or even whole milk, soy milk or oat milk for a lighter option, though it may affect the creaminess.
It’s best to add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts after processing in the Ninja Creami to keep their texture intact.
Best Flavor Pairings for Azuki Ice Cream
- Azuki Red Bean and Matcha Ice Cream
- Azuki Red Bean and Halo Halo Ice Cream
- Azuki Red Bean and Coconut Ice Cream
- Azuki Red Bean and Vanilla Ice Cream
Ube Treats
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Recipe Card
Ninja CREAMi Azuki Red Bean Ice Cream Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream and Frozen Treat Maker
- 1 Vitamix Blender or Immersion Blender
- 1 Ninja CREAMi Container
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Azuki Red Beans
- 1 ½ cups Half and Half or Heavy Cream
- ½ cup Cottage Cheese
- 3 tablespoon Monk Fruit Sweetener or Sweetened Condensed Milk
Instructions
- Blend the Ingredients: In a Vitamix blender or using an immersion blender, combine the azuki beans, cottage cheese, half and half (or heavy cream), and your sweetener of choice. Blend until smooth.
- Pour and Freeze: Transfer the mixture into the Ninja Creami Deluxe container. Place the container in the freezer and let it freeze completely, ideally overnight or for at least 24 hours.
- Process in Ninja Creami: Once frozen solid, insert the container into your Ninja Creami machine. Select the "Ice Cream" function and let the machine do its magic. Add more red bean and select "mix in".
- Enjoy: Scoop and serve immediately for a perfectly creamy treat.
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