Mame gohan (豆ごはん)
Japan
Fragrant rice cooked together with fresh green peas, perfect for hanami‑bento style lunch boxes. The dish is placed in the left part of the box and creates a bright color contrast with the other components.
Ingredients
- 500 ml rice
- 600 ml water
- 100 g green peas
- 1 tsp salt
Steps
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Rinse the rice in a colander, removing impurities, rinse with water and shake off excess moisture.
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Transfer the rice to a pot with a tight‑fitting lid, add 600 ml of water and let it soak for at least 30 minutes.
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Separate the green peas from the pods, rinse them and also shake off moisture.
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To the soaked rice add 1 tsp of salt, spread the peas on top. Close the lid, place over medium heat. When the water boils, reduce to low heat and simmer for exactly 12 minutes. Then turn off the heat and, without removing the lid, let the rice rest for another 10 minutes.
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Remove the lid and gently stir the rice, lifting it from the sides of the pot to evenly distribute the peas, trying not to crush them.
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Before placing the rice in the bento box, lightly moisten its surface so the rice does not stick. Put the cooked rice in the left side of the box.
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(Optional) Form a small cup for asparagus from aluminum foil and place it in the upper part of the box next to the rice. Add pieces of fried chicken, omelette, and pickled ginger for a complete bento set.