Sekihan rice (o-sekihan)

Sekihan or o-sekihan is often served on special occasions such as birthdays, weddings and some holidays and festivals in Japan. So much so that the phrase “Let’s have sekihan” has acquired the meaning “Let’s celebrate.” The red colour of Sekihan is symbolic of happiness in Japan.

Serves 4

Ingredients

400g Japanese glutinous rice (or you can use Sushi rice)
1 can of azuki red beans
1/2 teaspoon salt
Gomashio (black sesame seeds and salt) for topping (optional)

Preparation

1. Wash rice and drain in a colander.
2. Cook the rice (according to the instructions on the packet) along with the azuki beans and  colored liquid from the can. Season with salt and mix well.
3. Sprinkle mixture of salt and black sesame seeds over the rice before serving in rice bowls with chopsticks

Drink

Serve warm Sake out of a beautiful Sake set

Make a night of it

Serve with Yakitori Chicken, add some Japanese music. For an fun and easy Japanese evening why not get a Sushi kit and get everyone having a go at making their own? You can even cheat with the Sekihan and buy it ready mixed with the azuki beans. Add a little Japanese music too!

Take a look at some of our Japanese festivals (Matsuri), go to town and theme anything from the wildest party or most select dinner party around one of these colourful celebrations.

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Go Japanese We have found some lovely Japanese Sushi and Sake sets and even some kits to make your own Sushi too!

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Floating Lanterns These floating lanterns are used in China and Japan to send the spirits of visiting ancestors off back to the Underworld at festivals such as the Hungry Ghost festival in China and Obon in Japan. They beautifully light up any waterway for short while.

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