Episode 43: Local Cuisine Using Konjac [Kansai Edition] Kakimade Gohan

Episode 43: Local Cuisine Using Konjac [Kansai Edition] Kakimade Gohan / Wakayama

This time, I'll introduce a local dish from Wakayama Prefecture that uses konjac.
Upon researching, I came across something called "oyster rice."
This is apparently a local dish that has been eaten for a long time, especially in the Hidaka region (Kinaka area) of Wakayama Prefecture.

Upon closer examination, it was discovered that rice with persimmons has traditionally been served at celebrations, memorial services, Hina Matsuri (Girls' Day), festivals, and other events where people gather.
Kakimade Gohan is made by cooking seasonal vegetables, konjac, and grilled mackerel meat in a broth made from the bones of grilled mackerel, and then mixing it with rice.
It seems that the word "kakimaze" (to stir) was corrupted into "kakimade gohan" (rice with stir-fried vegetables).
Unlike chirashi sushi, this mixed rice dish has a mild flavor, using crops grown in a warm climate and fresh mackerel caught in the Kii Channel.

With the desire to pass on this dish of rice cooked with oysters, which has become rare in recent years, to younger generations, women in Inami Town are working in various ways to promote it.
As part of this effort, a ready-to-eat rice mix called "Kakimade Gohan no Moto" (rice mix with oysters) has been commercialized and is now on sale.
It's said to be popular with younger generations because it's "easy to eat" since it can be prepared simply by mixing it with rice.

It looks like you can easily enjoy Wakayama Prefecture's local cuisine at home!

reference

Our local cuisine
https://www.maff.go.jp/j/keikaku/syokubunka/k_ryouri/search_menu/menu/kakimade_gohan_wakayama.html

National Local Paper Association
http://kyodoshi.com/article/2137

Sankei Shimbun
https://www.sankei.com/article/20180612-QDCAVVLGANNNRJYJ77OP2WX4YI/

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website
https://www.maff.go.jp/j/keikaku/syokubunka/k_ryouri/search_menu/menu/kakimade_gohan_wakayama.html