Aduki beans, which are central to this dish, have a taste and texture quite unlike any other bean. They are sweet & nutty all at once. Originally from China, and they are now very popular in Japan, where they are sometimes called the "King of Beans". Another Chinese name for aduki is "red dragon", whence this dish gets the name. It has a sumptuous flavour. Eat your heart out shepherds!
Use 1 drained tin of aduki beans instead of dried ones if you're in a rush!