Sekihan

Sekihan

Sekihan (赤 飯, '' sekihan '', 'rice with red beans') is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of steamed glutinous rice with azuki beans.

The sekihan is often served on special occasions throughout the year in Japan, for example birthdays, weddings and some parties such as the Shichi-Go-San. The sekihan is so closely related to the celebrations that the phrase "Let us take sekihan" has acquired the meaning of "Celebrate". It is believed that the sekihan is used in celebrations for its red color, which is a symbol of joy in Japan. In some regions it is prepared when a young woman has her menarche, suggesting another source of tradition.

It is usually eaten immediately after cooking, but can also be eaten at room temperature, as in the case of bento (boxed) party. The sekihan is traditionally eaten with gomashio (a mixture of lightly toasted sesame and salt).

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