Kurimanju / chestnut cakes

A humble autumn confectionery with candied chestnut and white bean paste. Tastes great with bitter or strong unsweetened tea.

Shiroan / sweetened white bean paste

This silky bean paste goes into a number of Japanese sweets. Making it involves a series of time-consuming yet simple tasks, but the results are very satisfying.

Azukigayu / rice porridge with azuki beans

Slightly salty porridge with the soft sweetness of azuki.

Sekihan / steamed sweet rice with azuki beans (microwave version)

No steamer or rice cooker? No problem. Here is sekihan in the microwave.

Zarudofu / tofu in zaru basket

Fresh tofu made at home.

Zenzai / sweet azuki soup with rice cakes

A simple, soupy sweet snack with rice cakes.

Kuromame no fukumeni / lightly sweet soy sauce flavored black soybeans

One of the auspicious dishes of New Year's. A pun on good-luck wishes to stay healthy -- "mame" means healthy.

Faraferu / falafel

My first falafel at a Lebanese cafe in Colombo, Sri Lanka, over 15 years ago was the discovery of a whole new taste. This is mild-mannered falafel with enough fresh parsley and cilantro to perk it up.

Orange lentil and prawn salad

Kuromame gohan / steamed rice with black soybeans

Orange lentil daal

A quick Indian bean dish with fast-cooking orange lentil.