Ayako wrote from Japan about a Japanese dish called Kuromame that’s made for the New Year. Here’s her email and recipe…

Hi Lisa,

Happy New Year!

I had a guest from the US come to my home on New Year’s Day. So I cooked Osechiryori (New Year’s food) for him. Kuromame is a sweet black soybean dish that’s prepared as part of the New Year’s meal.

I cooked Osechiryouri and put it on a plate. In the center is black soybeans in a small, white bowl. It’s Kuromame.

I’d like to share my Aunt’s Kuromame Recipe (below). Enjoy!

Best regards,

Ayako

Recipe for Kuromame

Preparation time: 2 days

Ingredients

10 oz. (300 grams) Black Soybeans 

8 1/2 cups (2000 ml) Water
3 1/2 tablespoons Soy Sauce

1 1/8 cup (250 grams) Sugar

1/2 tablespoon Salt

1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda

Directions:

1. Rinse the dried kuromame beans under water.

2. Put water in a pan. Bring to a boil. Then add all the seasonings. Then add the soybeans.

3. Let it sit for at least 5 hours or overnight.

4. Heat the beans and bring to boil. Skim the surface scum. Cover with a round piece of parchment paper to ensure the beans are submerged in the water. Simmer for about 8 hours over low heat.

Add some water if the amount of liquid is too low. Simmer until the beans are tender.

5. Let it sit overnight.

Enjoy!

Thanks for sharing your recipe with us Ayako!

Mama Lisa