‘Sekihan’, steamed short grain Glutinous Rice cooked with Azuki (Red Beans), is sometimes cooked with Chestnuts as well. But Chestnuts are not commonly available where I live. I looked for a substitute for Chestnuts and I tried some different nuts. Now I can tell you that the best substitute is Cashew Nuts. This ‘Auzki & Cashew Rice’ is even more accessible as it can be cooked with ordinary rice.

Makes

4 Servings

Ingredients

2 cups (*180ml cup) Short Grain Rice
1/4 cup Azuki (Red Beans)
500ml Water
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 cup Unsalted Cashew Nuts

Method
  1. Place washed Azuki (Red Beans) and Water in a saucepan and cook for 20 to 25 minutes OR until beans are almost cooked but still firm.
  2. When beans are cooked, drain and save the liquid, which will be used to cook rice.
  3. Wash Rice and drain. Place in the rice cooker’s inner pot, add the cooled red liquid up to the 2-cups-marking. Add Salt and gently stir. Place the cooked Azuki and Cashew Nuts on the rice evenly, but Do Not stir.
  4. Press the Cook/Start button. When the rice is cooked, let it steamed for 10 minutes, then gently toss to mix.