🍱 Yogoshi / Gomamiso-ae

This is a dish that is eaten on a daily basis in the area centering on the Tonami Plain located in the western part of Toyama Prefecture. The Tonami Plain is a place where the original Japanese landscape of "sanson"(dispersed settlement), dotted with farmhouses surrounded by compound forests called "kainyo", still remains. "Yogoshi" is a dish of boiled vegetables chopped into small pieces, mixed with miso, and stir-fried. It came to be called "Yogoshi" meaning "over night" because it is prepared at night and eaten the next morning. In the past, it was made to add bulk when rice was in short supply, but today it has become a standard side dish. The strong flavor of miso makes it a perfect accompaniment to hot rice, and it is loved by all generations. The ingredients used are different from time to time, including daikon radish leaves, eggplant, taro leaves, and dried vegetables, so the dish easily reflects the seasonality and regional characteristics. "Yogoshi" made with houkin seeds is a dish that is usually served at the Buddhist memorial service held on the anniversary of Shinran Shonin's death. houkin seeds is the fruit of the kochia seeds, a greenish grain also known as caviar of the field. They are characterized by their crunchy texture and elasticity.