Kuro-mame

Although its name translates to black beans, the Japanese kuro-mame is a dish made with black soybeans cooked in sweet syrup. Slowly simmered alongside sugar and soy sauce, the soybeans soften, attain a glossy dark color, and develop an unusual, sweet flavor. Typically served as a side dish during New Year’s festivities, this simple dish symbolizes hard work and good health for the following year.