Osechi is the traditional Japanese New Year’s meal comprised of a number of small dishes into a single presentation. Each osechi dish has its own significance: from hope for a bountiful harvest, safety for loved ones, longevity, or fertility. Osechi is served in beautiful, ornate boxes and shared with family to celebrate the arrival of a new year.

While the preparation of osechi may seem daunting, it lends a sense of beauty and optimism for the coming year. If you can find the time to prepare even one or two of the dishes listed below, I think you’ll agree that it is a very special and rewarding ritual.

.osechiTable {padding:5px;}
.osechiDesc {font-style:italic; font-weight:normal}

Osechi Recipes:

Kuromame: black soy beans simmered in sweet and savory sauce Kurikinton: candied chestnuts and mashed Japanese sweet potatoes
Kouhaku kamaboko: Red and white broiled fish paste
Konbu Maki: Seaweed rolls
Kouhaku Namasu: Red and white (daikon and carrot) salad
Yawata Maki: Beef and vegetable rolls
Dashimaki Tamago: Japanese style rolled omelette
Chikuzen ni: A medley of simmered chicken and vegetables
Takenoko no Tosani: Simmered bamboo shoots with dried bonito
Osechi Ebi: Skewered prawns cooked with sake and soy sauce

Ozouni:

While not technically osechi, this miso based soup called Ozouni is regularly eaten on New Year’s day and deserves to be called out and enjoyed: Ozouni Recipe

...