Osechi Ryori
おせち, 御節料理
New Year Cuisine
Dating back to the Nara Period (710 - 784), this is something the Japanese can’t do without on New Year holidays. Well, at least a half-century ago. Back then, all shops were closed on the three early days of the year, and there was almost nothing else to eat since moms and wives deserved full-time off during this special occasion. Hence, Osechi (often followed by the term Ryori meaning “cuisine”), eaten at every meal, every day, monotonously. Luckily today, glorious commercialism can get you anything from the first day of the holidays. But, it’s a bit shame to forget the tradition and simplify everything. Therefore, let’s stick to the basics, and I’ll show you my family’s humble homemade Osechi. Just as many households in Kansai, ours is threefold Jūbako (lacquered box) style. What’s inside? First, there’s Kuro Mame (lit. black beans), representing ‘a dark tan’ after working under the scorching sun to inspire diligence. Kazu no Ko means “numerous children”, and you’ll now know what’s the wish behind it. Tazukuri (lit. rice field fertilizers) refers to dried Japanese anchovies for a good harvest. Kinton (lit. gold dumpling) is meant to attract wealth, while Renkon (lotus root) allows you to see things through its holes for a bright future. Kombu, forming a part of the word “Yorokobu” (feel joy), and Kuwai (arrowhead tuber with a sprout) for a lucky break. With all those festive ingredients, Osechi Ryori indeed packs many happy puns for the year!
Osechi Ryori packed with many happy food items.
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Chopped Kazu no Ko and Date Maki (gorgeous egg roll).
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Tazukuri topped with Ginnan and Kinton of Yurine.
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Kombu Maki or Kombu roll filled with meat.
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Colourful Konnyaku for a gala occasion.
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Shrimps for longevity, Bōdara (sugar-boiled dried cod), Kuwai and more.
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Osechi Ryori packed with many happy food items.
Chopped Kazu no Ko and Date Maki (gorgeous egg roll).
Tazukuri topped with Ginnan and Kinton of Yurine.
Kombu Maki or Kombu roll filled with meat.
Colourful Konnyaku for a gala occasion.
Shrimps for longevity, Bōdara (sugar-boiled dried cod), Kuwai and more.
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