七草粥

In Japan, on the 7th day of the new year, 七草粥 is eaten.

七草粥 which literally translates to seven herb porridge, essentially is leaves of 7 different kinds of vegetables that

are generally bitter.

3 vegetable names which we eat quite commonly that is found in this set of 7, are seri (which is like coriander),

daikon, and kabu (turnip).

when eaten on this day is believed to give you health throughout the year.

I didnt buy the 7 herb pack, cos i recall the bunch of daikon leaves which i blanched and froze last month when we bought

lots of daikon. Daikon leaves are not commonly eaten these days because by the time the daikon reaches the supermart,

the leaves are yellow and are hence chopped off.

I get my daikon from the farmers mart which means that super big bunch of leaves come attached too.

and, in very good condition, so i blanch them the day i buy them, freeze and sometimes add them into the rice cooker

when cooking rice.

To go with our porridge, we had pickles and a dish of fresh smooth beancurd skins rolls.

daikon leaves porridge with chicken meat balls, topped with crunchy anchovies

beansprouts and sliced kamaboko fish cakes tossed in seaweed sauce

=) hmm porridge for dinner on a cold night is extra comforting.