Adzuki Beans with Chestnut and Squash

4-6 servings

1-cup organic adzuki beans

1/2 cup dried organic chestnuts

1 cup of organic squash, cut into large chunks

3-4 cups spring water

1 strip organic kombu, about 4 inches long soaked in water for 5 minutes, or rinsed

1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon high quality sea salt

PREPARATION: Wash dried chestnuts and adzuki beans and pick out pebbles if needed. Place adzuki beans and dried chestnuts together in a pot and soak for about 8 hours. Then if needed replace soaking water, add kombu and squash chunks and bring to a boil in a pressure cooker. Close cooker and bring to pressure. Place a flame deflector under pressure cooker, turn heat to low, and cook under low pressure for 45-50 minutes. After done, add sea salt and simmer for about 15 minutes.

OPTIONAL: For a sweeter taste you may also add barley malt, rice syrup, or maple syrup and simmer or bake the dish for 15 minutes before serving. You can also pan roasting the dried chestnuts before soaking. Boiling this dish may take more water and a longer cooking time.

Recipes by Gabriele Kushi

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