The meaning of the word "bento" is known to every Japanese from an early age. Its history began with a small bag and bamboo leaves. So what is a bento?
So they call a portion of food intended for one person, much less often for several. It is packed in a special container (lunch box) made of plastic or wood. This is a convenient option for those who want a balanced meal at school or university, at work and on the go.
The composition of this full-fledged dish depends on many factors. Residents of different regions of Japan have their own unique traditions and taste habits. Personal preferences of each person are also important. Indeed, the taste and color, as they say, there are no comrades.
What is the difference between a bento and a usual snack?
The rush, bustle and fast pace of life prevent many people from eating right. Sandwiches in the morning are eaten in the dryer, a cake and coffee are bought on the way to work, and the way home goes through your favorite fast food chain.
In Japan, people have a slightly different attitude to their diet. Homemade food in the container they have a special place in life. Men say: "Show your bento, and I will find out what kind of woman you have." After all, the best set is the one that your beloved wife or mother did at home. Men at work can look enviously at their talentedly prepared and eye-catching bento colleagues. Because it is an art and every girl from birth is trying to master it. In addition to providing healthy food for their men and children, this creative cooking helps to show their individuality. Therefore, in families attach great importance to the bento.
In Japan, you can also find such options for this dish:
- soraben served on the plane;
- Ekiben meeting on trains.
A bit of history
Once upon a time, the Japanese kept special rice (Hoshi-i) in a small bag. It was enough to put rice in boiling water to get a full meal. They used it in dried form directly from the bag. Sometimes rice is wrapped in bamboo leaves.
Over time, the bags are a thing of the past, and they were replaced by wooden caskets, which were called bentos. In the era of the Edo dynasty, they were used everywhere, and then completely became part of the Japanese culture.
For many centuries, the inhabitants of the country collected unique recipes and were confident that such bentos would surprise family members and guests.
Bento Containers
Today, wooden boxes are a little less common. Most often, the container is made of plastic. The Japanese give them great importance on a par with the food that is put in them.
In stores you can find both disposable boxes and plastic containers, as well as expensive caskets decorated with precious metals and jewelry.
On sale you can also find jubako with several tiers and compartments. They are not used in everyday life. As a rule, Japanese with such interesting bentos can be found at holiday picnics or at a party.
Cooking
What is a bento in the modern sense? The list of necessary ingredients is available today to anyone who wants to prepare this useful set. For a classic recipe, you don’t have to spend a lot of money in the store. It is enough to buy rice, fish or meat, vegetables, herbs and your favorite spices.
Proportions:
- 4 parts of rice;
- 3 parts of fish or meat;
- 2 parts of vegetables;
- 1 part of spices and herbs.
This is the original bento recipe based on the principles of balanced nutrition. Obviously, all products must be fresh and properly cooked.
Recommendations
- All ingredients should be placed in a container only when they have cooled to room temperature. This allows you to keep them fresh.
- It is better not to store the bento in the refrigerator. According to the traditions of the Japanese, it should not be chilled. That is why it is better to choose those products that are able to maintain room temperature.
- Sauces (for example, soy for sushi and rolls) should be placed in a container only in airtight packaging.
- The Japanese love to use vibrant and rich foods. The bolder the color, the more interesting the dinner looks. White rice contrasts very interestingly with bright carrots, herbs and red products.
Residents of many countries have recently been actively adopting the tradition of cooking bento. It is incredibly convenient and useful for those working people who care about their health. Well, and children in schools are very pleased to feel the care of their parents, every day opening a new culinary masterpiece in their box. Indeed, some recipes are so surprising that such a bento is simply a pity to eat.