I had dinner with Hiromi san last Wed. She always has some interesting ideas to try. 

This time is ” aloe rice “ 

She told me about a documentary about Okinawan ( southern part of Japan ) lady who refuse to use chemical products. No medicine, processed food and cleaning substance etc.. She wash her hair wiith pounded hibiscus and wash in the river…very friendly to earth! 

She showed her favourite breakfast..that is ” Aloe rice “

Ingredients

Brown rice

Aloe

soy sauce

bonito flakes 

very simple!!!

She is not vegetarian since she uses bonito flakes. 

Bonito is a type of fish, it is dried then shred to make flakes. 

Bonito flakes is used quite often in Japanese cuisine since Japanese basic stock is made from bonito flakes and konbu ( kelp)

This is bonito flakes

I was really scared to eat aloe even though I had aloe yogurt ( very popular in Japan )

and aloe drink but I am not sure which kind of aloe they are using.

Hiromi san told me the lady was using aloe has not spikes…my aloe has spikes…

oh, well, I have eaten many wired staff  so now I can use my courage to eat unknown plant, what is the big deal? 

First, wash and get rid of  ” spiky ” part

Then take skin out. This curved knife is perfect for this! I felt like I am filleting fish …

Slimy fresh!  I licked the flesh gingerly…bit bitter…

Then put the flesh on top of the brown rice and pour good soy sauce which is very important!!!

Yamasa soy sauce is one of my favourite soy sauce. Yamasa is one of the oldest soy sauce company in Japan. It is nearly 400 years old! Good chefs in Sydney use yamasa not Kixxman …..

Taste????

Surprisingly, great! I really like it. Great texture! 

I think most Japanese would like it because we are used to have ” slimy” thing like okura, natto and ginenjyo on top of rice. I am not sure other nationality though…

Just in case…

Vegetarian option :

Omit bonito flakes and have with wasabi 

Maybe put aloe and wasabi on side and melt wasabi with soy first and marinade. Then put on top of rice…In this way, you won’t need to eat chunk of wasabi which can be dangerous..

I use only three stalks for one but I will put more next time. It is yummy!!! 

I am sure that aloe has great nutrition value..I will check out soon.

If anybody try, please let me know :)))

Thank you Hiromi san for great info!