Sekihan (Japanese Red Bean Rice)

下ごしらえ

材料

作り方

手順

1. 1

   Rinse the glutinous rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. Place it in a large bowl and cover with fresh cold water. Let it soak for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight.

   約3 時間

   調理のヒント： Soaking the rice helps it cook evenly and become tender.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, rinse the adzuki beans. Place them in a medium saucepan and add enough cold water to cover them by about 5 cm. Bring to a boil over high heat, then immediately drain the water.

   約5 分

   調理のヒント： This initial boil and drain helps remove any bitterness from the beans.

3. 3

   Return the adzuki beans to the saucepan. Add fresh cold water to cover them by about 5 cm again. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the beans are tender but still hold their shape.

   約40 分

   調理のヒント： Avoid overcooking the beans; they should not be mushy.

4. 4

   Once cooked, drain the adzuki beans, reserving the cooking liquid. The liquid should be a beautiful reddish-pink color.

   調理のヒント： This colored liquid is crucial for giving the sekihan its characteristic hue.

5. 5

   Measure the reserved adzuki bean cooking liquid and add plain water if needed to reach the total amount specified for cooking the rice.

   調理のヒント： Ensuring the correct total liquid amount is key for perfectly cooked rice.

6. 6

   Drain the soaked glutinous rice completely. Combine the drained rice and cooked adzuki beans in a medium pot or a rice cooker insert.

7. 7

   Add the prepared adzuki bean liquid to the pot with the rice and beans. Add the salt.

8. 8

   If using a pot: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to very low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. If using a rice cooker: Follow your rice cooker's instructions for glutinous rice.

   約20 分

   調理のヒント： Do not lift the lid during cooking to retain all the steam.

9. 9

   Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat (or turn off the rice cooker) and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes.

   約10 分

   調理のヒント： Resting allows the steam to redistribute, making the rice fluffier.

10. 10

    Gently fluff the sekihan with a rice paddle or fork. Serve warm, optionally garnished with toasted black sesame seeds.