Guest Author - Sherry Van Der Elst

This delightful sweet is usually served on special occasions in Japan, including weddings, birthdays and holidays like Shichi-go-san. It’s believed sekihan's popularity at these celebrations is due to its red color, which symbolizes happiness.

Azuki beans are small, dark red oval-shaped beans used in Japan to make a sweet bean paste.

1/2 cup azuki beans
3 cups mochi gome (glutinous rice), rinsed three times, drained, and allowed to soak for 1 hour or longer
3 1/2 cups water
1 tbsp black sesame seeds (optional)

1. Combine beans and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 55 minutes, or until beans are soft but not completely cooked.

2. Remove beans from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Drain and reserve liquid.

3. Mix beans, drained rice, water and 3 tablespoons of beans cooking liquid in a rice cooker and cook as you would normally prepare rice.

4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve warm.