Sekihan - Japanese Red Bean Rice

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) glutinous rice 2 cups (400g) glutinous rice
• 1 cup (200g) azuki beans 1 cup (200g) azuki beans
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• Water for soaking and cooking Water for soaking and cooking

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0.5g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 72g, 4g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for at least 1 hour.
2. 2.
   Rinse the azuki beans and soak them in water overnight.
3. 3.
   Drain the soaked rice and beans separately.
4. 4.
   In a large pot, combine the drained rice, beans, and 4 cups (950ml) of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice and beans are tender and cooked through.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
7. 7.
   Add salt to the pot and gently mix the rice and beans together.
8. 8.
   Serve Sekihan hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Glutinous rice — Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which will result in a stickier texture.
• Azuki beans — Soaking the beans overnight helps to soften them and reduce the cooking time. Rinse them well before cooking to remove any impurities.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can garnish Sekihan with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions.
• Leftover Sekihan can be transformed into delicious rice balls by shaping them into small triangles and wrapping them with nori seaweed.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add a small amount of sugar to the cooking water.

Serving advice

Sekihan can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or as part of a Japanese meal. Serve it alongside grilled fish, pickled vegetables, and miso soup for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal of Sekihan, serve it in individual bowls or on a large platter. The vibrant red color of the rice and beans will create an eye-catching centerpiece. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few strands of green onion for an added touch of elegance.