This is a very traditional macrobiotic recipe, which may sound a little ho-hum, but it’s actually incredibly good. Originally cultivated in Japan and revered for their healing properties, azuki beans are said to strengthen kidney function—our bodies’ prime way of detoxing. This dish is high in potassium and iron, so serve it at least once a week if you can and you will feel its power. If you prefer the squash with a softer and stewier texture, add it to the beans 10 or 15 minutes earlier.

Ingredients

4- to 6- inch piece of kombu [Japanese sea vegetable]
1 cup dried azuki beans
2 cups kabocha squash cut into large chunks (peel only if the squash is not organic)
1 teaspoon shoyu
Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Combine the kombu and the beans in a bowl and cover with an inch or so of water. Soak overnight.

2. Drain the kombu and beans and discard the water. Slice the kombu into 1-inch-by-1-inch squares and place them in a heavy pot with a heavy lid, preferably enameled cast iron. Add the beans and enough fresh water to just cover the beans. Bring to a boil.

3. As the beans boil, strain off any foam that rises to the top. Let the beans boil uncovered for about 5 minutes to release the gases. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low (or place on a flame deflector if you have one) and simmer for about 40 minutes. Check the beans every 10 minutes or so, adding water when the water level appears to dip below the bean level. After 40 minutes, arrange the squash on top of the beans and add more water to keep the beans covered. Cook for another 20 minutes, or until the beans seem soft and tender. Add the shoyu to the beans, and cook 10 more minutes. Serve garnished with the cilantro or parsley.

VARIATIONS: You can use any kind of winter squash (buttercup, butternut, Hokkaido pumpkin, delicata and so on) or even carrots in place of the kabocha squash in this dish. NOTE: You can also make a soup from azuki beans and sweet vegetables. Follow the same directions, but use more water and a variety of sweet vegetables (such as onions, carrots, squash and corn). Season with shoyu and garnish with scallions. This is also deeply nourishing and revitalizing.

Nutrition Facts

187 calories, 0.3 g fat (0 g saturated), 11g protein, 37 g carbohydrates, 7 g fiber, 114 mg sodium (5% Daily Value).