Red Bean Ice Cream

You wouldn't think that "bean" ice cream would be all that good, but it is. Red beans are a favorite in Japan and are eaten in many dishes. Maybe you might have seen those fish shaped waffles in the animes, they are filled with red bean paste. There are quite a few dishes that feature red beans, so why woulnd't it be made into ice cream.

- 1 cup of milk
- 1 1/2 cups red bean paste*
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream

*also called Adzuki bean paste. If you can only find the beans learn to make the paste - [here]. Adzuki beans and the paste can be found in asian markets. I get them at "Whole Foods".

1. In a medium bowl beat the sugar and egg yolks (yeah no whites) until the mixture becomes a thick pale yellow color. Set aside.
2. Bring the milk to a boil in a medium saucepan
3. Slowly beat the milk into the egg mixture.
4. Pour the mix back into the pan with low heat. Stir with a whisk until it thickens. *Be careful not to let the mix boil or it will scramble the eggs*
5. Remove from heat and beat in the red bean paste.
6. Pour into a clean bowl and let the mix cool. Stir in the cream. Then put in the refrigerator for 2 hours, it can sit longer like overnight.
7. Stir the mixture. Then make according to the ice cream machine instructions. (Typically it's about 40 minutes)
8. Put ice cream into a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2 hours so that it will firm.
9. Eat of'course :)

This recipe makes 1 quart of ice cream.
Increase the amounts for more ice cream or bigger ice cream makers.