Katemeshi

Katemeshi is a traditional Japanese dish that originated from the Tohoku region in the northern part of Japan. It is a type of mixed rice dish, similar to Takikomi Gohan, but with a unique combination of ingredients and preparation method that sets it apart.

History

Katemeshi was originally a meal for hunters and woodcutters who worked in the mountains of Tohoku. The dish was made by cooking a mixture of rice and various wild vegetables and game that were available in the region. The name "Katemeshi" comes from the Japanese words "kate", which means winnowing basket, and "meshi", which means cooked rice. The dish was traditionally cooked in a winnowing basket over an open fire.

Ingredients and Preparation

The main ingredients of Katemeshi are rice, wild vegetables, and game meat. The most commonly used vegetables are Sansai, or mountain vegetables, such as warabi (bracken ferns), takenoko (bamboo shoots), and kogomi (ostrich ferns). The game meat can be any type of meat that is available, but venison and rabbit are the most traditional choices.

To prepare Katemeshi, the rice is first washed and soaked in water for a short period of time. The vegetables and meat are then cut into small pieces and sautéed in a pan. The rice is added to the pan and cooked together with the vegetables and meat. Once the rice is cooked, the mixture is transferred to a winnowing basket and steamed over an open fire until it is fully cooked.

Cultural Significance

Katemeshi is more than just a dish in Tohoku; it is a symbol of the region's history and culture. The dish represents the resourcefulness and resilience of the people of Tohoku, who were able to create a nutritious and flavorful meal with the limited resources available in the mountains. Today, Katemeshi is enjoyed by people all over Japan and is often served at festivals and other special occasions.

See Also

• Japanese Cuisine
• Takikomi Gohan
• Sansai