Osechi is the traditional Japanese New Year’s meal comprised of a number of small dishes into a single presentation. Each osechi dish has its own significance: from hope for a bountiful harvest, safety for loved ones, longevity, or fertility. Osechi is served in beautiful, ornate boxes and shared with family to celebrate the arrival of a new year.
While the preparation of osechi may seem daunting, it lends a sense of beauty and optimism for the coming year. If you can find the time to prepare even one or two of the dishes listed below, I think you’ll agree that it is a very special and rewarding ritual.
Osechi Recipes:
- Kuromame: black soy beans simmered in sweet and savory sauce
- Kurikinton: candied chestnuts and mashed Japanese sweet potatoes
- Kouhaku kamaboko: Red and white broiled fish paste
- Konbu Maki: Seaweed rolls
- Kouhaku Namasu: Red and white (daikon and carrot) salad
- Yawata Maki: Beef and vegetable rolls
- Dashimaki Tamago: Japanese style rolled omelette
- Chikuzen ni: A medley of simmered chicken and vegetables
- Takenoko no Tosani: Simmered bamboo shoots with dried bonito
- Osechi Ebi: Skewered prawns cooked with sake and soy sauce
Ozouni:
While not technically osechi, this miso based soup called Ozouni is regularly eaten on New Year’s day and deserves to be called out and enjoyed: Ozouni Recipe
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