🍱 Itoko-jiru

"Hoonko" is one of the traditional autumn events in Ishikawa Prefecture. It is a traditional event held on November 28th, which is the death anniversary of Shinran, founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect. The meal eaten after sermons in temples and affiliated households is called "Otoki (Toki)," and it is served to the guests who are gathered for the "Hoonko." "Itoko-jiru" is an essential part of the Hoonko meal. It is a soup made by slowly simmering various vegetables, with adzuki beans and tofu as the main elements, then flavoring it like miso soup. Adzuki beans were a favorite food of Shinran Shonin. It is said that those who participate in the ceremony are repaying their kindness to Shinran Shonin while eating "Itoko-jiru." There are many theories about the origin of the unique name "Itoko-jiru." One theory is that Itoko-jiru came from the "Otoko-jiru" eaten on "Otoko Hajime," the beginning of New Year preparations on December 8th of Japan's lunisolar calendar, or that the ingredients such as adzuki beans and tofu are related as "itoko" (cousins). Depending on the region, root vegetables such as daikon radish, burdock, and potatoes might also be considered as "itoko," and the interpretations vary by person and by region. Hoonko cuisine also includes a similar "Itoko-ni." This is made by slowly simmering adzuki beans with root vegetables. There is also a "Nanukadaki Gobo" made by simmering burdock for seven days. Yamaguchi and Yamagata Prefectures also have an "Itoko-ni," but they have little in common in terms of the cooking method, ingredients, and style.