Authentic Japanese New Year's Kuro-Mame Recipe

Ingredients

  • 300g black soybeans
  • 150g sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 10 cups water
  • 1 pinch of salt

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the black soybeans in water overnight.
  2. Drain the water from the soybeans.
  3. In a large pot, add the soaked soybeans and 10 cups of water.
  4. Add baking soda to the pot.
  5. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  6. Cook the soybeans for about 5 hours, or until they become tender. Make sure to add more water if necessary.
  7. Once the beans are tender, add sugar and a pinch of salt.
  8. Stir well, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely.
  9. Allow the beans to cool in the syrup.
  10. Once cooled, transfer the beans with the syrup into a container. Store in the refrigerator and allow to marinate for at least 24 hours before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - A pot big enough to hold the soaked soybeans and water.
  • Container - A container to store the kuro-mame after cooking and marinating.
  • Stirring spoon - A spoon for stirring the soybeans while cooking.

Recipe variations

  • Adding a hint of cinnamon or other warm spices to the syrup
  • Using brown sugar or honey instead of white sugar for a different flavor
  • Experimenting with different types of beans, such as kidney beans or adzuki beans
  • Adding a splash of vanilla extract to the syrup for extra aroma
  • Infusing the syrup with citrus zest, such as orange or lemon
  • Adding a tablespoon of rum or brandy to the syrup for a boozy twist
  • Including a small piece of kombu (kelp) while cooking the beans for added umami flavor
  • Adjusting the sweetness level by increasing or reducing the amount of sugar
  • Adding a small amount of black sesame seeds to the beans for added texture and flavor
  • Experimenting with different sweeteners, such as maple syrup or agave nectar

Recipe overview

Kuro-mame, or sweetened black soybeans, is a traditional Japanese dish often enjoyed as part of Osechi Ryori, the festive cuisine typically consumed during the Japanese New Year. These beans are not only delicious, but also carry a symbolic meaning, representing good health and hard work for the coming year. This recipe will guide you through the process of creating your own Kuro-mame at home. The process requires soaking the beans overnight and a lengthy, slow simmer to achieve a tender, yet firm texture. The beans are then sweetened with sugar and a touch of salt. After the beans have been cooked and sweetened, they are left to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. The result is a sweet, slightly savory, and deeply satisfying treat that's both a delight to the palate and a nod to tradition. Let's get started!

Common questions

  1. How long do I need to soak the black soybeans? - Soak the black soybeans in water overnight.
  2. Can I skip soaking the soybeans? - No, soaking the soybeans is necessary to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.
  3. How long should I cook the soybeans? - Cook the soybeans for about 5 hours, or until they become tender. Make sure to add more water if necessary.
  4. Can I reduce the amount of sugar? - The amount of sugar can be adjusted according to personal preference, but it may affect the taste and texture of the final dish.
  5. How long should I marinate the beans before serving? - Allow the beans to marinate in the syrup for at least 24 hours before serving to enhance the flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - A large pot is needed to cook the black soybeans.
  • Strainer - A strainer is useful for draining the water from the soaked soybeans.
  • Spoon - A spoon is necessary for stirring the beans and sugar in the pot.
  • Container - A container with a lid is required for storing the kuro-mame in the refrigerator.

Origin stories

Kuro-mame, or black soybeans, are a traditional part of the Japanese New Year's meal, known as Osechi Ryori. These glossy, black beans are not merely chosen for their appealing aesthetic. In Japanese, "mame" also means health. Thus, by eating these sweet, simmered beans, it is believed that one can secure a year of good health and work hard without falling ill. The dish is often prepared in the waning days of the year, allowed to marinate, and then joyfully consumed as a first meal of the New Year, uniting families in the shared hope of health and prosperity.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.