Traditional Japanese New Year Feast
Osechi Ryori
Osechi Ryori is a traditional Japanese New Year’s feast that celebrates the start of a new year. Packed with symbolic ingredients, it is not only a culinary tradition but also a way to wish for health, happiness, and prosperity for the coming year. In this article, we’ll explore its origins, the variety and meanings behind the dishes included in osechi, and introduce recipes you can create with Kayanoya products.
Origins of Osechi Ryori
Osechi Ryori dates back to ancient Japanese customs associated with seasonal celebrations called “sekku.” The New Year’s celebration, being the most significant of these, led to the tradition of preparing special foods as offerings to deities and to express gratitude for the previous year’s blessings. Osechi is designed to be made in advance and can be preserved for several days, as it was traditionally eaten during the first three days of the New Year when cooking was to be avoided to allow the kitchen deities to rest.
Meanings of Each Osechi Dish
Osechi Ryori is rich with symbolic meanings, with each dish representing hopes for the New Year, from health and prosperity to family unity and success. It’s more than just a meal—it embodies the aspirations for the year ahead.
In this spirit, we’re excited to introduce osechi dishes made with Kayanoya’s products, which enhance the flavors of these traditional recipes with carefully crafted dashi and seasonings. Whether it’s adding depth to simmered vegetables or enhancing the umami of rolled omelettes, Kayanoya’s ingredients bring an authentic touch to your New Year’s feast.
Osechi Dishes with Kayanoya Original Stock Powder
Umami Dashi Kazunoko (Herring Roe)
It symbolizes prosperity and the wish for family lineage to thrive. The numerous eggs clustered together represent the hope for many descendants.
Chikuzen-Ni
It symbolizes family unity and abundance, as it combines various ingredients like chicken and root vegetables simmered together.
Simmered tender octopus
It represents “many blessings.” The Japanese word for octopus, tako, resembles takou (meaning “many blessings”), making it a symbol of the desire for abundant happiness in the new year.
Osechi Dishes with Rice Vinegar for Sushi
Red and White Pickled Salad
The red and white colors symbolize auspiciousness in Japanese culture, as they are associated with celebratory red-and-white mizuhiki cords.
Marinated Arrow-Shaped Lotus Root
It symbolizes "seeing into the future." The holes in the lotus root are believed to represent clarity and the ability to foresee what lies ahead.
Other Traditional Osechi Dishes
Simmered Glazed Shrimp
Shrimp symbolizes longevity and good health. Its curved shape resembles an elderly person with a bent back, conveying the wish to "live long until one's back bends." The long whiskers also signify good fortune.
Kurumi Gomame
Made from small dried sardines (gomame) simmered in a sweet and savory sauce with walnuts (kurumi). It symbolizes a bountiful harvest and family prosperity for the new year, as the small fish represent a plentiful yield.
Chicken Rolls with BurdockRoot
It carries the wish for long-lasting happiness. The burdock root’s thin and elongated shape symbolizes the desire for prosperity and happiness to continue over time.
Kelp Rolls
It carries the wish for longevity and eternal youth. Kombu (kelp) has long been regarded as a healthful ingredient, symbolizing wellness and long life.
Datemaki
It symbolizes the wish for success in scholarship and learning, as its scroll-like appearance resembles traditional rolled-up documents or books.
Modern Osechi Dish with Kayanoya Original Stock Powder
Dashi Marinated Seared Beef
Seared Beef has become popular additions to the traditional Osechi Ryori, representing a modern twist on Japan’s New Year’s feast. A luxurious yet simple dish you can make by just searing and marinating. The dashi soy sauce pairs perfectly with the beef.
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