🍚 Botecha (Ochazuke made with Black Beans Rice)

"Botecha" is a recipe that was created during the Matsuyama Domain as it followed the rules of living simply and frugally. The ingredients used were grown locally and the meal matched the climate of the region. The wives of the feudal lord came up with this recipe using simple and affordable ingredients and created a meal to serve when entertaining guests. Tea ceremonies were often held in the Matsuyama region which is said to be one of the reasons for "botecha" being created. The tea for "botecha" is made by whisking it with a tea whisk, which is a method practiced in traditional tea ceremonies. Carefully brewed "botecha" is whisked with a tea whisk rubbed in some salt. After that, rice cooked with black beans are added to the tea and the other ingredients are topped. During the "Hana" (=flower) Festival, which celebrates the birth of Buddha, at Renshoji in Sarukawabara, Matsuyama city, also known as "Botecha Temple," people visiting the temple can enjoy the chazuke "botecha." When it was first served to the groups of people visiting temples, it became so popular that other Buddhist vegetarian side dishes such as handmade sesame tofu and "tsukudani" made with raw "fu" (=wheat gluten) were served along with the "botecha." This tradition has been carried on since the late 1970s. The "Hana" (=flower) Festival is held close to April 8th of the lunar calendar each year, to celebrate Buddha’s birthday.