Natto is a traditional Japanese food made from soybeans. Fermented soybeans have a very distinct flavor and a higher nutritional value than unfermented soy. The fermentation leaves the beans with a sticky texture and very intense flavor. Natto is often eaten with rice, mustard or pickles to temper the taste. The dish is also exceptionally high in protein. Preparing natto at home for your family will not only be an interesting flavor experience, but is also a good way to bring a little bit of culture to your kitchen table.
Instructions
1. Wash the soybeans well, and soak them in a bowl of clean water. Remove the beans when bubbles begin to accumulate on the surface of the water. This usually occurs in approximately 12 hours.
2. Steam the soybeans in a medium-sized pot until they are soft enough to mash easily between your fingers.
3. Drain the soybeans of any excess water left over after steaming.
4. Boil six teaspoons of water. Add the boiled water to the soybeans along with the natto bacteria, brown sugar, and salt. Stir the beans well until the mixture is evenly distributed.
5. Place the beans into a casserole dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and poke several small holes in the aluminum.
6. Put the dish containing the soybeans into the oven. On the rack below it, place two pie pans half full of water.
7. Turn the oven light on or place a small light in the oven. The light should be no greater than 60 watts. This initiates the fermentation process.
8. Keep the temperature in the oven at approximately 100 degrees. Do not turn the oven on. Allow the small light to provide the heat for the soybeans.
9. Leave the beans at 100 degrees for 20 hours.
10. Turn the light off and allow the soybeans to cool. You may remove them from the oven immediately or leave them there for an extra 24 hours. The longer the soybeans are left to ferment, the stronger the flavor of your natto will be.
11. Place the container of soybeans in the refrigerator for up to one week. This will give the natto its characteristic stringy consistency.
Tags: oven light, small light