Homonym: anko (Bean)
Anko is a sweet red bean paste commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It is made from adzuki beans that are boiled and sweetened, often with sugar. Anko can be found in various forms, including smooth (koshian) and chunky (tsubuan), depending on the texture desired for different dishes.
This versatile ingredient is used in many traditional Japanese sweets, such as mochi, dorayaki, and taiyaki. Anko adds a rich, sweet flavor and is enjoyed both as a filling and a topping. It is also popular in other East Asian cuisines, where similar bean pastes are made.