Dorayaki Sweet Filled Pancakes

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Legend has it that the first dorayaki were made when a samurai named benkei forgot his gong (‘dora’ in japanese) upon leaving a farmer’s home where he was hiding and the farmer used the gong to fry the pancakes, thus the name dorayaki. These are really yummy and great for a brunch or snack. The adzuki bean paste is known as anko. Cook time is estimate.

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Steps

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For the bean paste:.

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Soak adzuki beans in water overnight.

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Heat adzuki beans in a pot with one cup of water.

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When they come to a boil , add two more cups of cold water.

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When they come to a boil again , drain the beans in a colander.

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Return the beans to the pot , add three cups of new water , and cook over high heat.

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When the beans begin to jump around after the water comes to a boil , turn the heat down to low and simmer until the beans are soft , about one hour.

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If necessary , add water so that the beans are always covered.

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Fastidiously skim off any foam that appears on the surface.

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When the beans are soft enough to break between your fingers , drain them in a colander.

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Return the beans to the pot again and mix in the sugar.

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Mash the beans continuously over medium heat until almost all the water has evaporated and a paste has formed , about 35 minutes.

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Add the salt and stir over medium heat for about 5 minutes more.

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Remove from heat and transfer the paste to a container.

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Ingredients

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adzuki beans, sugar, salt, water, bean paste, flour, honey, baking powder, eggs