Amanattō

Amanattō is a delightful traditional Japanese treat made from azuki beans (or other types of beans). The beans are simmered in sugar syrup, then coated with refined sugar and left to dry. This sweet confection was invented by Hosoda Yasubei during the Bunkyū period of the Edo era. Yasubei opened a wagashi (Japanese sweets) shop in Tokyo, naming it Eitaro after his childhood nickname. Remarkably, Eitaro continues to produce these delicious sweets to this day.

Originally called "amananattō" the name was shortened to "amanattō" after World War II. Although its name resembles that of the fermented bean dish nattō, there is no connection between the two.

Interestingly, in Hokkaido, amanattō is often added to sekihan, a traditional Japanese rice dish. This addition imparts a slightly sweet twist to Hokkaido’s sekihan, distinguishing it from the versions found in other regions.