nutikama
Nutikama is a traditional Japanese sweet made from azuki beans, which are also used in anko, a sweet red bean paste. The process of making nutikama involves soaking the azuki beans overnight, then cooking them until they are soft and mushy. The beans are then mashed and mixed with sugar and sometimes other ingredients like cinnamon or ginger for added flavor. The mixture is then formed into small, round balls and steamed until they are firm. Nutikama is typically served chilled and is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert. It is a popular treat in Japan and is often found in bento boxes and convenience stores. Nutikama is also known as "anko dango" in some regions, reflecting its similarity to other Japanese sweets made from red bean paste.