Sweetened bean paste is a popular ingredient in many Asian desserts, made primarily from cooked and mashed adzuki beans or other legumes. The beans are sweetened with sugar and sometimes flavored with ingredients like vanilla or coconut. This paste is often used as a filling for pastries, buns, and cakes, providing a rich, sweet taste and smooth texture. In addition to its use in desserts, sweetened bean paste can also be found in various traditional dishes. It is commonly used in mochi, a Japanese rice cake, and in mooncakes, a Chinese pastry enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Its versatility and unique flavor make it a beloved component in many culinary traditions.