# Itokoni ｜ Our Regional Cuisines

**Cuisine Name**: Itokoni

**Region**: Our Regional Cuisines

## Main Lore Areas
The whole prefecture, Kitaura area, Seto Inland Sea side

## Main Ingredients Used
Azuki beans, white bean flour, sugar, salt

## History, Origin, and Related Events
Itokoni" has been widely produced in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Although the use of sweetened azuki beans and dumplings made of white bean flour is a common feature, each region has its own unique characteristics. Especially famous is "Hagi-style Itoko-ni-ni" made in the Hagi area and other areas on the Sea of Japan coast, which is made into a cold soup. In addition to azuki beans and shiratama (white beans), shiitake mushrooms and kamaboko (fish paste) are added to the clear soup, which is typical of castle towns, by mixing kelp and other dashi with sugar, soy sauce and salt. For festive occasions, the white dumplings are reddish in color, while for other occasions, they are either all white or green in color. In areas along the Seto Inland Sea, the dumplings are boiled down until all the liquid is absorbed and sweetened. The presence or absence of vegetables and the amount of liquid varies from region to region, and in some areas it is not made at all during celebrations. There is a theory that the dish in Yamaguchi Prefecture became so called because the ingredients are simmered in the same manner as nephews and nephews. There are various theories as to its origin.

## Opportunities and Times of Eating Habits
This dish has been served at banquets after weddings, funerals, and other events in Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is also often served on the first day of the New Year in December, when preparations for the New Year begin. The azuki beans are boiled slowly so that they do not run out, and the white dumplings are red and white for celebrations, and white or green for Buddhist services.

## How to Eat
Boil shiratama-mochi. Wash azuki beans, pour enough water and azuki beans into a pot, heat and bring to a boil, then drain in a colander. Put the cooked azuki beans and enough water into the pot, heat, and simmer slowly to avoid burning the azuki bean skins while removing the astringency. If the azuki become soft, add more water. When azuki beans are soft, season with sugar and salt. Add shiitake mushrooms to the broth, bring to a boil, season with salt and soy sauce, add shiratama mochi and kamaboko, and bring to a boil.

## Efforts for Preservation and Succession
You can taste it at restaurants and ryokans in Hagi City.

## Ingredients
- adzuki beans: 50g
- Sugar: 50g
- Water: 30ml
- kamaboko: 1／5 of a stick
- Dried shiitake mushroom: 1 piece
- white bean flour: 30g
- red food coloring: a little
- Dashi stock (kombu dashi): 2.5cc
- salt: 1／2 tsp.
- soy sauce: 1 tsp.

## Recipe
1. 1. Soak azuki beans in water overnight, add enough water to cover, boil once, add water again, boil to prevent skin from breaking (about 1.5 hours), drain in a colander.
2. 2. Add sugar and water to the azuki beans and bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and let the flavors infuse.
3. 3. Cut the rehydrated dried shiitake mushrooms into chunks.
4. 4. Knead white bean flour with water, color half of it with food coloring, make red and white dumplings, and boil.
5. 5. Add dashi broth (shiitake mushroom stock may be added. Add azuki beans from 2, dumplings from 4, and kamaboko cut into chunks, and bring to a boil.

## Provider Information
provider : Yae Morinaga

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