Washoku Wednesday: Osechi Black Beans

(It’s been a few months but my favorite food blogger Courtney is back! Glad to have her posting again here on Uncovering Japan!)

I can’t believe we’re getting ready to ring in 2016! This past year has zoomed by for me, and was particularly exciting/exhausting as we made the move back to Japan in late October. Life since landing in Japan has been full steam ahead getting settled in our new house, neighborhood, life.

I’m looking forward to ringing in the new year with family and friends, and setting intentions for this year. To continue to explore Japan, its people, and culture. Deepen my practice of chado Japanese tea lessons. Relish in watching my inquisitive toddler interact with the people and culture of the country she was born in.

Happy New Years and enjoy these delicious recipes for creating your own osechi ryori at home. May you welcome good health, prosperity, and life this year.

Kuromame (Sweet Simmered Black Soy Beans)
from La Fuji Mama
Makes 8 to 10 servings

10.5 ounces kuromame (dried black soybeans)
11 cups water
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon baking soda

1. Thoroughly rinse the beans in cool water, then drain and set aside.

2. Bring the water to a boil in a large pot. Then add the sugar, soy sauce, and baking soda and let simmer for 3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Add the rinsed beans to the bot, cover, and let the beans soak overnight.

3. Place an otoshibuta (a small lid that fits inside the pan) in the pot, and simmer the beans on low heat for about 8 hours, adding additional water as needed so that the beans stay immersed. The beans are done when they are very tender.

Recipes:
Osechi Ryori from La Fuji Mama
La Fuji Mama actually has a pretty great write-up and basic instructions for simple osechi dishes. Make it and you can pretend you’re celebrating in Japan this New Years!

OSechi Ryori recipes from Just One Cookbook
As usual, I headed to Just One Cookbook for all my Japanese recipe needs and she did not disappoint. Traditional recipes, but many that are easier for those looking for an introduction to Japanese cuisine.

Osechi Ryori recipes from Cookpad
If you absolutely cannot find a specific Japanese recipe elsewhere, check Cookpad. It’s a Japanese website that has begun translating recipes to English. The website boasts over 125 osechi dishes!