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.
Steps
1
Making the Dish
Ingredients
1 cup sweet rice (glutinous rice)
1 1⁄2 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.
