[June Edo Cuisine]

"Green Bean Salad with Sesame Dressing"

 

The "green bean" got its name because it is said to have been brought to Japan in the 17th century (early Edo period) by Ingen Zenji, a high priest from the Ming dynasty in China.

 

　For common people in the Edo period, green beans (string beans) were cherished as a "classic ingredient in vegetarian cuisine brought by Zen Master Ingen" and a "simple and delicious everyday side dish."

 

　As soy sauce, once a luxury item, became popular among the general public, kidney beans demonstrated their excellent compatibility with soy sauce and miso. Especially, " sesame-dressed kidney beans" and "simmered vegetables" became widely established as easy and delicious classic home-cooked dishes.

 

　The dish name "Goma Yogoshi" refers to sesame dressing, and it is mainly called this in the Kanto region. Black sesame is often used, but this time, since it is a hot season, refreshing white sesame is used.