Azuki Beans and Squash

1 c Dry azuki beans

1 Strip kombu; 6 - 8 inches long

1 c Buttercup squash; acorn or other winter squash, cubed but not peeled

1/2 ts Sea salt

Wash beans, cover with water and soak for 6 - 8 hours. Put kombu on bottom of pot and cover with the squash. Next add soaked, drained beans. Add water to just cover the squash layer. Do not cover the beans at the beginning.

Place the bean mixture over low heat and bring to a boil slowly. Cover after about 10 - 15 minutes. Cook until beans are 70 - 80% done, about 1 hour or so. The water will evaporate as the beans expand, add more cold water as required to keep level constant and make beans soft. When beans are nearly done, add sea salt, cook another 15 - 30 minutes.

Transfer to serving bowl. Serve with brown rice.

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