[header] How to make red bean paste [title] Soak the beans. [step] Transfer the beans to a 2-quart (1.9-l) large bowl and cover them with room temperature water. Cover the bowl with a clean towel to keep out bugs and dirt, and set the bowl aside on the counter. 
Leave the beans to soak for 8 to 12 hours. [substeps] Soaking the beans will help to tenderize them and reduce the boiling time.