Step 1

Rinse the adzuki beans in a colander and drain.

Step 2

Pour boiling water over the beans in the colander.

Step 3

The put the beans in a pot with 5 1/2 -- 6 1/3 cups water and heat over high heat.  Once the beans come to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for about an hour, skimming any scum off the surface as it accumulates, until the beans are creamy and soft enough that you can squish them in between your fingers.

Step 4

Add the sugar in 3 parts, letting the beans cook for about 3 minutes after each addition.

Step 5

Add a pinch of fine grain sea salt and serve over toasted mochi, a cooked grain like millet, or over shiratama dango.