Swich | Recipes - Okinawan Beans and Rice
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Okinawan Beans and Rice

The Okinawan version of beans and rice is called aka kashichi. This nutty, subtle dish—deceptively simple and surprisingly good—is a common ancestor offering at Okinawans’ twice-monthly visits to the cemetery.

Glutinous rice, which is used to make mochi, was traditionally used only for special occasions. Even though this has been historically a celebratory dish, it is today also commonly eaten during lunch or dinner.

Makes 2 servings | Active Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Makes 2 servings | Active Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Step 1: Making the Dish
  • 1 cup sweet rice (glutinous rice)
  • 11⁄2 cups water, plus more for soaking rice and beans
  • 1 tablespoon dried kidney beans, soaked for 4 hours
  • 1 tablespoon dried black beans, soaked for 4 hours
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds

Soak rice in cold water for 30 minutes.

Boil soaked beans for 1 hour until tender, drain and rinse. If using canned, skip this step but drain and rinse beans.

If cooking with a rice cooker, add sweet rice and beans to rice cooker with water and salt. Cook according to manufacturer’s instructions.

If cooking on the stovetop, add rice and beans to a medium pot. Bring to a boil uncovered and then immediately reduce to a low simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for about 30 minutes.

Fluff rice with a fork before serving to separate grains. Add sesame seeds and salt. Serve hot.

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